Category: News in Brief

Government behind turmoil in Male’, says DQP

The government is behind the unrest in the capital Male’, claims the Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), accusing the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of openly attacking and damaging the property of political opponents.

Following the launch of MDP’s nationwide protests against corruption on Wednesday, crowds of people gathered outside opposition MPs residences as well as the homes of some judges over the past two nights, leading to violent clashes, injuries to civilians and police officers as well as damage to property.

A press release by DQP claims that the MDP serial protest has been “a disaster” for businesses and has made movement in the capital “a burden”.

“While MDP’s leaders happen to be leaders of the Maldivian government as well, the best venue for putting forward MDP’s proposals is not the streets of Male’,” it reads.

The party calls on MDP to immediately cease its activities in Male’, which are intended to “protect the interests of certain people” by fueling political tensions and creating unrest in the capital.

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HRCM condemns political unrest

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) expressed concern with the recent political unrest and turmoil in the capital, condemning the damage to private property and physical harm caused to police officers and civilians during clashes that took place on the night of July 14.

A press statement issued by the commission yesterday notes “regrettably” that irresponsible rhetoric that creates hostility and strife among the public was undermining the rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution as well as threatening social stability and public safety.

“And since such actions on the part of either political parties or responsible persons that encourage unrest and inhumane acts hamper the rights of citizens under a democratic system of governance, the commission calls on all parties to restrain from such acts and conduct political activities responsibly,” it reads.

The HRCM further calls upon the government to strengthen its efforts to protect an individual’s right to life, liberty and security of person as well as the right to privacy and the right to protect one’s reputation and good name.

The commission urged the government not to make arrests outside the bounds of the law.

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Expatriate found dead in Male’

An expatriate was found dead yesterday in a lane in Male’ near the Justice building, according to police.

The man was found unconscious on the road at 3.50pm and was taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where doctors who examined the body revealed that he was dead upon arrival.

Preliminary examinations reveal no bruises or external injuries, say police, and the case is currently under investigation.

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Dozens of Pakistani MPs have fake degrees

An investigation has found some Pakistani MPs never finished their studies while others bought their qualifications from dodgy colleges, reports the ABC’s Sally Sara.

“A degree is a degree, whether it is fake or genuine,” protested the chief minister of Balochistan Province, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani, and the the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution condemning the media for breaking the story.

However, the Punjab Assembly has now been forced to back down and yesterday it tried to repair the damage by passing a resolution recognising the pro-democracy role of journalists, lawyers and activists, Sara reports.

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Sea Levels Rising during Maldives ‘Winter Season’: Prof. Weiqing Han

Winter season data shows a “significant sea level rise’ for Maldives, according to Professor Weiqing Han, leading author of a study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder USA.

The study combined sea surface measurements going back to the 1960s and satellite observations. It’s findings suggest that climate warming is amplifying regional sea rise changes in parts of the Indian Ocean, threatening inhabitants of some coastal areas and islands.

Other areas, such as the Seychelles, are experiencing lower sea levels.

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No licences for unscripted Friday sermons: Ministry of Islamic Affairs

The Maldives ministry of Islamic Affairs has suspended issuing licenses to deliver Friday sermons without a script, reports Miadhu.

The suspension is to strengthen the Maldives regulation on religious unity, according to the ministry.

The decision came after intense debate within the ministry, said Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, minister of state for Islamic Affairs.

Unscripted sermons were not delivered in the country prior to the new government, comments Miadhu, and many people believe that the religious awareness in the country has increased as a result of the unscripted sermons.

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Are the Former Guantanamo Prisoners a Security Threat?: Speigel Online

“Are the two men [being resettled in Germany] a security risk or are they desperately in need of assistance? Will they be welfare cases or seek vengeance?” ask four writers for the German news website Speigel Online.

In both cases, the German host states are preparing to provide extensive assistance to the men. “To the best of our knowledge, special security measures are not necessary,” says Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister Bruch.

The assistance for the two men will apparently consist primarily of psychological counseling, language courses and intensive integration assistance. The goal is to enable the former inmates to live undisturbed in Germany, reports Speigel.

German authorities are determined to prevent the two men from receiving the same treatment as Murat Kurnaz, a Turkish-born resident of the northern city of Bremen. After his release in 2006, he arrived in Germany in chains.

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Clean energy possible in ten years: Zero Carbon Australia 2020 report

Australia’s energy grid could run entirely on renewables such as wind and solar power within 10 years, according to a report endorsed by the International Energy Agency (IAEA).

Only technologies that are proven and commercially available are referred to in the report, according to the ABC.

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