Author: Minivan News

Foreign Ministry condemns attack on Indian High Commissioner’s car

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the vandalism of the Indian High Commissioner’s car on Monday night (October 28).

“The Ministry is deeply concerned that a diplomatic vehicle was subjected to vandalism. The Maldives Police Service is currently investigating the case and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” read the statement.

“The Ministry wishes to call on all members of the public to refrain from activities that might undermine the close friendly relations that exist between Maldives and its close and friendly neighbours,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday (October 29).”

The Maldivian Democratic Party have also released a statement today, calling for the safety of Indian diplomats to be assured.

“After months of hate mongering targeting Indian officials, it is deeply saddening to see such regrettable incidents against our Indian friends. Maldives and India share an invaluable friendship and we must continue to strengthen our relationship through dialogue, not through intimidation and violence”

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Parliament appoints retired first lieutenant as sergeant-at-arms

Parliament today appointed Mohamed Haleem, of Maafanu Million in Male’, as the People’s Majlis’ Sergeant-at-arms with 56 votes in favour and one against.

Under the parliamentary rules of procedure, the Sergeant-at-arms is entrusted with enforcing discipline and maintaining security.

According to newspaper Haveeru, First Lieutenant Haleem retired from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) last month after 23 years of service.

Haleem was among senior military officers who sent a letter of concern to the Chief of Defence Forces following the failure to hold the second round of the presidential election scheduled for September 28.

Minivan News obtained Haleem’s resignation letter addressed to Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, in which he stated that he did not believe “the security services are currently adhering to the constitutional provisions stated in articles 237 and 238.”

“Also, while the spirit of article 246 of the constitution is, to refrain from political affiliations and to treat equally among the people and different groups, respecting the principles of Islam and human dignity, I do not see this currently happening [within the security services],” First Lieutenant Haleem stated.

“For the last 23 years [of my military service]; I have served this country under a solemn oath taken in the name of Allah, I do not see any way that I can carry out my duties as prescribed in the constitution and the military act, while in this position, therefore I request you to relieve me from my duties,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, in July 2011, Independent MP Mohamed ‘Kutti’ Nasheed called for the appointment of a Sergeant-at-arms as provided for in the regulations following weeks of disrupted sittings.

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Surf rage sees wave permits in paradise introduced: Sydney Morning Herald

“An Australian surf travel operator has introduced a “pass” system to restrict the number of surfers at one of the world’s great left-hand breaks, Lohis, in the Maldives,” writes Robert Upe for the Sydney Morning Herald.

“Only 35 passes will be handed out daily to try to control the crowds that have caused ‘chaos’, according to managing director of World Surfaris, Shaun Levings.

The congestion has resulted in heated exchanges at the reef break, opposite Hudhuranfushi Resort that has about 200 rooms and lists surfing among its activities.

‘The surfing population around the world has almost reached epidemic proportions because it is seen as ubercool to surf,’ Levings said.

‘A lot of the new surfers who don’t know the etiquette of the sport are booking themselves into international (surf) locations with reef breaks. But they aren’t experienced enough to surf them and they don’t follow the rules of surfing. Eventually, the experienced mellow surfers lose their cool.’

‘Surfing is meant to be for relaxation but (with the crowds) it becomes an arena where you are competing for waves. The whole vibe changes.’ ”

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Four minors arrested with stolen items in Gemanafushi Island

Four minors have been arrested on the island of Gemanafushi in Gaafu Alifu Atoll with stolen items.

Police said that the stolen items were found inside one of the minor’s house.

According to police, they allegedly stole a sound system, CD player, one diving torch, as well as the batteries, charger and bulbs for the torch.

Police said the four minors were aged  between 15 and 16.

Gemanafushi police station is investigating the case.

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Man arrested for smuggling drugs into Dhangethi Island

Police have arrested a man on charges of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the island of Dhangethi in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.

According to police, the man was aged 26 and was arrested on October 27 whilst he was inside a boat that arrived at Dhangethi from Male’.

Police said that when he saw the police officers he threw a pack of cigarettes into the sea which police subsequently discovered to contain illegal drugs inside it.

Dhangethi island police are investigating the case.

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“We in the EU should apply maximum pressure to reverse this judicial coup,” says European MP

Charles Tannock, Conservative Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has told a plenary session of the EU parliament in Strasbourg that organisation should apply “maximum pressure”  to reverse what he described as a “judicial coup” in the Maldives.

“The people of the Maldives deserve better than this: they must have their voices heard, and their decisions respected. The constitutional crisis in Male which looms if a new President is not elected before the current President’s mandate expires could spell disaster for this small but dignified nation,” Tannock told the 766 member legislature.

The MEP went on to call for politicians to put the interests of their country ahead of their own careers and “a small band of disfavoured elites allied to ex-President Gayoom and Islamist parties, who determine the country’s future.”

“I believe the Maldives could face a very strong and unwelcome response from the international community if these failings are not mended, he told journalists following the session.

“I am sure that no regime there would find it comfortable if governments began advising their citizens not to visit as tourists because of the dire state of human rights including particularly women’s rights and the lack of basic democratic freedoms.”

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said she was “deeply concerned” following the most recent delay in the Maldives presidential elections.

“The EU reiterates its confidence in the impartiality and efficiency of the Maldivian Election Commission. It recalls that elections cannot successfully be held if the process can be repeatedly brought to a halt through legal injunctions,” she said in a statement.

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Maldivian Democracy on the Brink: US ambassador

“Maldives now finds itself at a crucial crossroads.  Through weeks of political bickering and questionable delaying tactics, Maldives democracy is now in peril,” writes US Ambassador to the Maldives Michelle J. Sison for local newspaper Haveeru.

“Further delays in Maldivian Presidential elections and continued misuse of institutions have already led many in the international community to question the legitimacy of both the process, as well as the outcome of those elections.

As in any country after a hard-fought political campaign, people will still disagree.  Truly great leaders put aside those differences in the aftermath of an election and work together in the national interest and for the greater good.

Ultimately, the power of any government rests in the consent of its people.  If citizens are not allowed to freely express their desires, then those that pretend to govern cannot be perceived as having legitimacy to govern.

To ensure successful elections and protect its democratic traditions Maldives needs to allow balloting that is free, fair, and inclusive, and the results must be respected by all parties, without retribution.

We saw the first part of that formula on September 7, and now we must see both on November 9 for there to be legitimacy and true democracy.

As Maldives stands at the brink, now is the time for all Maldivians to unite to salvage their democratic future.”

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Police seeks public assistance in locating 17 year-old missing boy

Police have asked the public to provide assistance to police in locating a 17 year-old boy who was reported missing by his family.

Police identified the boy as Ibrahim Haseeb, of Gulfaamuge from the island of Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll.

According to police, the boy was last seen wearing a black tshirt and a blue jeans.

Police said that the case was reported yesterday at 6:50am.

The police have asked anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the boy to contact 119 or 332 2111 or the police Family and Child Protection Department at 979 0163.

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Police call for more responsible demonstrations

Police have today requested that supporters of both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) respect social standards when conducting political demonstrations.

It was explained in a statement released today that police have written to both MDP Chair ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik, and PPM leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to urge the parties to observe the regulations set out in the Peaceful Protest Act.

“The document went on to state that since these were the days of the O/Level exams for many students, the demonstrations and rallies being held all over Male’ with sound systems on pickups or megaphones were disruptive and that the Maldives Police Service has been receiving complaints about the situation,” read today’s statement.

Concern was also expressed regarding the potential disruption to traffic, pedestrians and local businesses. Police also noted that demonstrations outside of individual’s homes was prohibited.

Local media reported that two MDP supporters were detained on Saturday (October 28) as the two parties conducted protests in close proximity to the residence of the Speaker of the Majlis, MDP MP, Abdulla Shahid.

The Majlis yesterday approved a motion to ensure Shahid will assume the presidency should no president-elect be chosen before the the end of the constitutionally specified presidential term on November 11.

The PPM member of parliament boycotted the vote.

Supporters of the MDP occupied the length of Male’s Majeedhee Magu for two evenings following the delay of the scheduled presidential election on October 19 – actions labelled by the police as irresponsible.

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