Day: September 21, 2014

Maldives Democracy Network to release findings of investigation into Rilwan’s disappearance

Human rights advocacy group Maldives Democracy Network (MDN) is to release the findings of an investigation into missing Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan tomorrow.

Rilwan – missing for 44 days – is believed to have been abducted from outside his apartment at knifepoint and pushed into a red car at approximately 2am on August 8.

“We are very concerned about Ahmed Rilwan’s disappearance on August 8, 2014. Hence, we decided to look into Rilwan’s disappearance and have commissioned a foreign expert to conduct an independent investigation,” MDN said in a statement today.

MDN will release the findings of the report during a press conference at 2:30pm tomorrow.

The Maldives Police Services have been criticised by numerous groups during the course of their investigation for the lack of progress and poor communication with those close to the case.

On September 16, the police said they had found “no concrete evidence” to link Rilwan’s disappearance with the abduction outside his apartment in Hulhumalé.

Eyewitnesses told Minivan News they had reported the incident to the police and that officers had recovered a knife from the scene. The passports of four individuals have been held in relation to the case.

Hundreds of people marched on Malé streets last Friday evening (September 19) calling on the Maldives Police Services to answer questions regarding Rilwan’s abduction.

Members of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), civil society organisations, journalists, and opposition Maldivian Democratic Party members joined the ‘Suvaalu March’ (Question March). The march across the capital was led by Rilwan’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Demonstrators carried boards addressing the police and asking ‘What happened to Rilwan?’ ‘Where is the red car?’, ‘Where is the knife?’, ‘Why are you diverting the investigation from Hulhumalé?’, and ‘Who are you afraid of?’

The march ended with a prayer at Artificial Beach.

Minivan News Deputy Editor Zaheena Rasheed said the police must answer questions regarding Rilwan’s disappearance or disappearances may become the norm in the Maldives.

Rilwan’s brother Moosa Rilwan noted an increase in violent crime in the Maldives with 31 people killed since 2007.

“Pepetrators have been brought to justice only in a handful of cases. Police failure to conduct a thorough investigation has led to increase in knifings. We must hold the police accountable in Rilwan’s case and we must find him,” he said.

“We are extremely concerned over the slow progress in investigation and call on the authorities to take this case seriously.”

In response, Commissioner of Police Hussein Waheed said he would not release any information that may impede police investigations regardless of demonstrations.

Speaking at the Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo Island police station today, Waheed said that revealing information midway through the investigation may affect society and harm certain people.

However, Moosa Rilwan said police should be able to tell the family by now what line of investigation they are pursuing.

“I believe they must have enough information to tell us if he was abducted, disappeared, or has gone into hiding,” he said.

Rilwan’s family met with the HRCM and Police Integrity Commission last week to share concerns over the police’s handling of the investigation, requesting the two commissions pressure the police for a thorough and speedy investigation.

Several international organisations, including Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, Reporters Without Borders, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have called on the Maldives’ authorities to expedite investigations.

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Housing ministry gives unlimited tokens for apartment submissions

The housing ministry has begun giving out unlimited tokens for the submission of applications to apply for the 1500 flats being built at Hulhumalé.

Unlimited tokens are being handed out after a number of complaints from people queuing from early this morning who fell foul of the previous 175 token limit per day.

People have been queuing as early as midnight in the hope of being able to submit apartment forms the following day.

The decision by the housing ministry is expected to improve the application process, although there are a numerous administrative issues expected to complicate proceedings.

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Teachers’ Black Sunday protest prompts government talks, strike decision pending

Additional reporting by Zaheena Rasheed

The Teachers Association of Maldives (TAM) has completed a timeline with the government to meet the demands of teachers, ahead of a proposed strike this Tuesday

“The government’s decision to sit for talks and compile a timeline is a sign President Yameen himself attended to the teacher’s demands,” TAM President Athif Abdul Hakeem told Minivan News today.

“I am happy. We now have a way forward,” he added following association members again donning black today in what is being termed ‘Black Sunday’.

The Ministry of Education had earlier appeared unwilling to give in to teachers’ demands for higher pay and reform, while the Labor Relations Authority reportedly labelled the proposed strike as ‘not peaceful’.

“We will not increase salaries on request from certain groups. We are working on it not because teachers had demanded so. But teachers do request that it be expedited,” State Minister for Education Adam Shareef told local media.

TAM will now hold consultations with their committee and focal points in the atolls, Athif explained, before holding a meeting tomorrow night to decide whether they will continue or call off the strike.

A statement from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) noted that government was treating the potential strike as illegal.

“This commission has received information that the Labor Relations Authority has decided it cannot deem the strike planned by the Teacher’s Association of Maldives as one that is peaceful and within the parameters of laws and regulations,” said the government workers’ organisation

Black Sunday

Around ninety percent of teachers were reported to have demonstrated again today by wearing black to work after TAM members had pledged late last week to strike on September 23 should the longstanding grievances not be addressed.

A number of issues – which include revised pay, protection of teachers and students, and official recognition of TAM – have been raised repeatedly with the ministry claims the association, and are now said to be part of the agreed timeline.

Minister Shareef today acknowledged that poor communication was to blame for the current situation, but said he expected teachers to attend classes on Tuesday as discussions continued.

“O’ Level exams are to start soon. Parents and students are preparing for it. It will create huge concern if teachers decide to stop work during such a critical time,” he added.

The CSC noted today that the Constitution allowed for work stoppages as a form of protest, but that procedures outlined in the regulations on resolution of conflicts between employers and employees must be followed.

Speaking at a TAM meeting on Thursday evening, association president Athif pledged to strike indefinitely should the government not make adequate use of the talks.

“Once we strike, there is no turning back. The options are death or success. God willing, we will only stop once we have achieved success,” said Athif.

Opposition support

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced its support for the strikes should discussions with the government fail.

MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed told media today that, although the party did not want to see strikes, it would back a teacher strike should talks again prove fruitless.

“MDP very much wants for government to listen to their concerns and solve the issues through discussions, before this reaches a whole different level. MDP will stand behind all such protests,” said Waheed at a press conference today.

Meanwhile, MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader and former teacher Rozaina Adam also announced her support for the proposed strikes.

“They have been asking for this raise from Maumoon’s administration, through Nasheed’s and Waheed’s administration and now into Yameen’s administration. It is with great sadness that we have to note that everyone has turned on a deaf ear to their pleas,” wrote Rozaina on her personal blog.

The Addu-Meedhoo MP expressed concern at the falling standards of the sector, noting that poor pay and working conditions were forcing good teachers away from the profession.

“I call upon the government as an MP, a parent and as a person who worked in the teaching profession, to hear out the teachers’ demands and find solutions for their problems,” said Rozaina

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Maldives’ UN journey proof small states can contribute to international community: Foreign minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon has told the UN General Assembly that the Maldives journey with the body is proof small states can contribute to the international community.

“The story of the Maldives, is the story of all small states at the United Nations. The Maldives journey at the UN, is proof that with smart ideas, small states can successfully contribute and become significant members of the international community,” said Dunya on the anniversary of the Maldives’ membership.

A press release from the foreign ministry has today described the UN as a “trusted partner and a staunch advocate” of the Maldives during the past half century.

Dunya’s comments were in stark contrast to the previous two appearances by the country’s leaders at the UNGA in New York, during which the Maldives was critical of perceived attempts by the organisation to interfere in the state’s sovereign affairs.

Speaking at the 69th session of the UNGA this week, Dunya noted that the Maldives was the first so-called ‘micro-state’ to seek entry to the UN, and has since been at the forefront of the small state issues, holding the first ever conference of small states 25-years ago and forming the first alliance of small nations.

During its 49 years as a member of the UN, the Maldives has worked to establish recognised links between climate change and human rights, explained a foreign ministry statement today.

Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Samoa last week, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – father of the foreign minister – called upon larger nations not to stand in the way of small island leadership on climate change.

“SIDS are ready to lead. Don’t stand in our way,” said Maumoon, representing the Maldives as a special envoy at the conference.

The foreign ministrya also noted that, following the difficult transition from less developed to middle income status nation in 2011, the Maldives has “raised concerns about the criteria used for graduation by the UN as negatively impacting Small Island Developing States”.

The graduation from less developed status was recently described by President Abdulla Yameen as coming with “enormous challenges and hardships.”

As the country’s graduated to middle income status in 2011 – forfeiting access to concessional credit, certain trade concessions, and some foreign aid – Maldivian representatives to the World Trade Organisation accused the UN of ignoring the country’s vulnerabilities.

At the 67th session of the UNGA in 2012, President Dr Mohamed Waheed argued that “small justice is being served for a small state” following the international response to his controversial ascent to the presidency that year.

The following year, it was Dunya’s predecessor Dr Mariyam Shakeela who attacked the UN for what she suggested had been attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives following the UN’s concern at repeated delays of the 2013 presidential election.

Criticism of the Supreme Court’s role in the electoral process by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay was subsequently described as “ill-informed” and “irresponsible” by Waheed, while a report into the judiciary by a UN Special Rapporteur in the same year was described by the Maldives as undermining the government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement today reiterated, however, the country’s belief that the UN remained the most legitimate forum for globally significant issues.

“It remains the only forum where every nation in the world, big or small, has an equal say,” the statement read.

“Forty nine years ago, the Maldives affirmed our faith in the United Nations; as a shining example of equality, hope and peace, and joined the community of nations to ultimately achieve freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The Maldives will continue on its journey at the UN, providing smart ideas, offering solutions to all issues of global interest.”

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Asian Games 2014 kicks off with the biggest ever Maldivian team

The largest sporting event in Asia, the Incheon Asian Games 2014, has officially kicked off with 13,000 athletes from 45 Asian nationalities participating in 42 different sports.

The event officially started on the Friday (September 19) with a lively opening ceremony featuring a large fireworks display, 10,000 athletes from 45 nations and a performance by South Korean superstar PSY.

The Maldives team, with a contingent of more than 200 competing in six disciplines, is the biggest ever Maldivian group to represent the country at an international event.

The Maldivian flag bearer for the ceremony was Ismail Sajid, one of the key members of the volleyball team.

The six disciplines in which the Maldives team is competing are badminton, athletics, swimming, beach volleyball, football and – for the first time – a women’s handball team is representing the Maldives.

The Maldivian government reportedly gave the contingent a sum of MVR3.8 million (US$247,074). In addition they are believed to have received financial support from the organisers of the Asian games covering their transportation and accommodation cost.

Speaking to local media, vice president of the swimming association of Maldives Ismail Shareef, said that the Maldivian swimmers are not aiming for medals but to outdo the current national records for swimming – many of which fell during July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“It is extremely hard to earn a medal at the Asian games. We do not even have the proper facilities to train for such high caliber events,” said Shareef.

Not having the proper facilities and guidance to train for such events is a complaint heard often within the Maldivian sports community, which often has to train in under equipped facilities and sometimes unsafe training environments.

Earlier this year, badminton was stopped as the Malé Ekuveni Sports complex was closed after the building was deemed unsafe, leaving the national team with no venue to practice and the Badminton Association of Maldives having to cancel an international tournament.

The government has promised a sports complex as part of the Hulhumalé Youth City project and has also pledged to transform Ekuveni into a sports city.

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Government hands back Kaadehdhoo Airport to Villa Air

The government has returned Kaadehdhoo regional airport to Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Air 38 days after terminating the contract with the tourism ministry.

Speaking to local news outlet Vnews, Managing Director Rilwan Shareef of Villa Air said that the airport had been handed back to the company by the government on Thursday (September 19).

Kaadehdhoo Airport, which is leased out to Villa for fifty years to develop and manage the airport, was taken by the government last month after it cited a breach of the agreement on Villa’s side.

The Villa Group – founded by Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim – suffered adversely from a number of government decisions last month just as Gasim attempted to stall President Abdulla Yameen’s flagship Special Economic Zones Act.

President Yameen denied the setbacks for Villa had been politically motivated after the JP alleged that both these decisions and subsequent death threats received by Gasim had come from political opponents.

The handing back of Kaadehdhoo Airport comes within a week of the reinstatement of Maamigili Airport, also under the management of Villa Air, as an international airport after it was downgraded to domestic status due to security concerns.

A  nearby island which was leased out to the Villa Group for agricultural purposes was also taken by the government at the same time as the airport.

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Chinese tourist seriously injured in Malé bike accident

Additional reporting by Ismail Humaam Hamid

A Chinese tourist has sustained serious injuries after being struck by a motorcycle in the capital city Malé yesterday.

Police have confirmed that the incident happened at 2:45pm as the tourist was attempting to take a photograph of the People’s Majlis on Medhuziyaari Magu.

After being taken to ADK hospital yesterday (September 20), Minivan News understands that the man – named by local media as Jiyathai Joo, aged 50 – has been flown to Sri Lanka for treatment of head injuries.

The motorcyclist involved in the incident – a 19-year-old identified in local media as Malé resident – has been arrested by police. He suffered only minor injuries in the collision.

Chinese tourists have become common increasingly common in the capital in recent years, with day trips offering a change of pace from the relaxed island resorts elsewhere in the atoll.

The rapidly expanding Chinese market now accounts for around 30 percent of the one million plus visitors to the country each year.

President Abdulla Yameen last week noted his desire to see further expansion of Chinese visitors during the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpeng.

The occasion also saw the signing of a number of MoUs including one establishing a joint mechanism on dealing with the issue of safety and security of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives.

The most frequent source of accidents involving Chinese tourists involve snorkelling incidents, with the government having previously acknowledged the need to improve safety regulations in this respect.

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President Yameen meets Sri Lankan president to discuss diplomatic relations

President Abdulla Yameen met with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday (September 19) to discuss relations between the two nations.

At a meeting held at Rajapaksa’s official residence in Sri Lanka, the two presidents acknowledged the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed further ways to strengthen ties.

They also spoke of the joint-commission meetings held between the two nations earlier this month and highlighted the main points discussed during the meeting and the importance of implementing the decisions made.

Rajapaksa also praised President Yameen on his recent initiatives such as the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and ‘ihaven’ aimed at transforming the Maldivian economy.

President Yameen’s visit comes soon after Chinese President Xi Jinpeng visited the two nations on his South Asian tour.

The Chinese visit to the Maldives saw the signing of eight MoUs most notably the agreements on the promotion of the Malé-Hulhulé bridge and the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

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