Parliament informed of MPs arrest

Jul 20, 2023, 2:54 PM
Opposition leaders protesting.

Opposition leaders protesting.

The parliament has been informed of the arrest of four opposition MPs on Thursday evening.

The leadership of the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) coalition was arrested at the Republic Square in Male'.

They gathered to demand a fair trial for jailed opposition leader and former president Abdulla Yameen.

MPs Ahmed Shiyam, Ahmed Thorig, Adam Shareef and Mohamed Saeed were among the leaders who were arrested.

Three more people were arrested, including Male' city council members Ibrahim Sujau and Ahmed Aifaan.

The opposition demands a fair trial for Yameen and insists the opposition leader's candidacy for the September presidential election must be accepted.

Yameen is serving an 11-year prison sentence over the lease of Vaavu Aarah involved in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal.

Elections Commission (EC) stated that his candidacy would be rejected if the sentence is not overturned. But the appeal trial in the High Court is stalled.

A senior police official told Adhadhu that seven people, including MPs, were arrested on Thursday for gathering in a prohibited area and refusing to obey police orders.

“The Speaker of Parliament [Mohamed Nasheed] has now been informed of the arrest of the MPs,” the officer said.

While several opposition leaders have been arrested, they have planned a march in Male' for Friday.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Suspect arrested for repeated public nuisance escapes facility

Ahmed Fairish, a man arrested for public nuisance and harassment, has escaped from a drug treatment facility in Himmafushi. He was transferred there under police supervision following his recent arrest on October 17. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who has a history of criminal behavior and making death threats.

PNC secures both seats in election for LGA board

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) won both seats in the election for the Local Government Authority board. PNC candidates Ali Ahmed and Maryam Zeena defeated their MDP rivals to represent local councils and Women’s Development Committees. The election occurred alongside the unopposed appointment of Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif.

"MDP will end Rasmale' deal if it goes without consultation"

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail warned that a future MDP government will terminate the Rasmalé project if it proceeds without public consultation. He opposes granting land to UAE’s Eagle Hills indefinitely, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the lack of acquisition costs. Fayyaz urged President Muizzu to allow for public debate.

Milestone as Thilamale Bridge connects Villimale and Gulhifalhu

The Thilamale Bridge has reached a major milestone by physically connecting Villimale and Gulhifalhu, creating a continuous link from Male'. Developed by Afcons Infrastructure, the project is now slated for completion in September 2026. Construction progressed through multiple phases despite political disputes over the project's timeline.

Sukuk or bond issue listed in budget for 2027

The government plans to issue a $175 million international bond or sukuk in 2027 to manage foreign debt, part of a $675 million three-year borrowing strategy. Despite past failures to enter the market and a "junk" credit rating, officials hope this move will ease financial pressure following a major reserve drawdown for previous repayments.

Government to deploy an AI-powered smart traffic system in Male'

The Maldives government has included an AI-powered "Smart Traffic Enforcement System" in next year’s budget to tackle congestion in Malé. Part of the "Maldives 2.0" policy, the initiative aims to modernize traffic monitoring through digitalization. The plan also includes a new data center and digital ID system to improve public services.

"President does not have authority to allow non-Muslim residency"

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi argues that the President lacks the constitutional authority to grant long-term residency to non-Muslims in Rasmalé. He asserts that such sovereign power belongs solely to the people. Didi also criticized Jamiyyathul Salaf for supporting the government's plan under specific conditions.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox