Tag: maldives

Missing journalist’s family accuses police of negligence, files complaint

Missing Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan’s family has accused police of negligence in investigating the reporter’s disappearance and has filed a formal complaint with the Police Integrity Commission (PIC).

Speaking at a press conference today, Rilwan’s sister Mariyam Fazna noted that 82 days had passed without apparent progress in police investigations.

“Our family is in deep mourning. We have no way forward. We believe police negligence is behind the lack of progress in finding Rilwan,” said Fazna.

The police have failed to take the case seriously, despite an abduction outside Rilwan’s apartment building on the night of his disappearance and reports that he had received numerous death threats and had been followed, she said.

Eyewitnesses had reported the abduction at knifepoint at around 2am on August 8, but police only took their statements on August 14, the family said. The police had also failed to track down and search the car used in the abduction.

“If the abduction had been investigated immediately at the right time, the police would have been able to find the victim and clarify if it is our brother or not,” Fazna said.

The police only searched Rilwan’s apartment 29 hours after the abduction was reported and searched his office 11 days afterwards. The police also failed to make a public announcement on Rilwan’s disappearance – despite a request by the family – and did not inform the public on how to act if they had any information related to the case, the family explained further.

Meanwhile, Rilwan’s sister Fathimath Shehenaz condemned the police for disrespecting a family in grief, pointing to a police statement on September 23 in which they claimed political parties were using the family to obtain information about the investigation.

“These words are extremely disrespectful to a family suffering the disappearance of a loved one,” she said.

The People’s Majlis on Tuesday threw out a 5055 signature petition urging MPs to pressure police for a through and speedy investigation. The parliament secretariat later admitted the rejection was “a mistake,” according to MP Imthiyaz Fahmy who sponsored the petition.

Four men have been arrested over Rilwan’s disappearance, but only one man remains in custody at present. The police have revealed few details on the case.

Home Minister Umar Naseer said he believed Rilwan is alive and promised to return him safe to his family. He has also acknowledged involvement of criminal gangs in the case.

Human rights NGO Maldivian Democracy Network released a report in September implicating radicalised gangs in Rilwan’s disappearance.

Discounting theories of voluntary disappearance and suicide, the investigation – conducted by Glasgow-based Athena Intelligence and Security – concludes the disappearance is likely to have been an abduction.

The report confirmed evidence of possible “hostile surveillance” at the terminal conducted by two known affiliates of Malé based Kuda Henveiru gang.

The NGO on October 23 accused the police of negligence in investigating the disappearance for their failure to inform the public on progress and failure to confirm if the abduction reported on the night Rilwan went missing was related to his disappearance.

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“President Yameen, the world is watching you”, warns Australian senator

Australian Senator James McGrath has warned President Abdulla Yameen that the eyes of the world are on the Maldives’ deteriorating human rights situation.

“Do not lead your country into the shadows of fear and hate and violence. Stamp on ISIS and the other agents of hate. Let the Maldives be free – President Yameen, the world is watching you,” McGrath told the Australian Senate yesterday (October 28).

The Queensland senator told the house of judicial corruption, political violence, media suppression, and religious extremism in the Indian Ocean nation.

He gave special attention the the ongoing Supreme Court case against the Human Rights Commission (HRCM) and the disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan 82 days ago.

McGrath informed the assembly that he had worked with former President Mohamed Nasheed during his successful 2008 presidential election campaign, describing the transition to democracy as a “political fairy tale”.

The governing Progressive Party of Maldives last week accused Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of attempting to use the international community to influence the case against the HRCM, to “discredit Maldives reputation”, and to “impoverish the Maldivian people”.

Recent events in the Maldives, including consistent attacks and threats against opposition MPs and property, have prompted concern from the EU, Amnesty International, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the Canadian government.

McGrath – who described the suo moto proceedings used against both the HRCM and the Elections Commission earlier this year as “unusual” – said “a worrying trend has been for the supreme court to violate the separation of powers outlined in the 2008 constitution”.

Noting the likely abduction of 28-year-old journalist Rilwan had come after a series of attacks on the media in recent years, McGrath observed a “slide into authoritarianism and religious extremism” in the aftermath Nasheed’s departure from office in February 2012.

The senator’s comments regarding ISIS followed one week after UK Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Tobias Ellwood responded to a written question from Karen Lumley MP on the group’s potential activities in the Maldives.

“We are aware of the activity of ISIL sympathisers in the Maldives, and we will continue to engage with the Maldives government about the promotion of religious freedom and moderation,” Ellwood informed Lumley.

While up to four Maldivians are reported to have been killed fighting in the Syrian civil war this year, a family of four were reported to have migrated to ISIS held territory last week.

Up to 200 demonstrators marched through the capital Malé last month, brandishing the flag made famous by ISIS, calling for the full implementation of Shariah in the Indian-ocean archipalego.

McGrath yesterday expressed alarm at recent moves to subject the publication of poems and prose to government approval – a move he called “blatant censorship” – before concluding his speech.

“The world is watching you president Yameen. Be a true leader and let your people be free. Let them speak freely, let them be without fear of violence, let them have rights of association, let them talk right and join together as free peoples.”

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Malaysian high commission to hold futsal tournament

The Maldivian High Commission in Malaysia will host a Maldives Futsal Carnival next month at Sunway Extreme Park on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

“The event is to include a Futsal tournament with both male and female participating teams from Malaysia and Singapore, food stalls, cultural performances and children’s games and play activities,” read a high commission press release.

The event – held in collaboration from Maldivian volunteers from the expat community – will be held in celebration of the Maldives’ Republic Day on November 15.

Futsal – a variant of 5-a-side football – has become increasingly popular in the cramped quarters of Malé, with a number of new facilities provided in recent months. Maldivian students held a similar tournament in Malaysia in 2011.

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Majlis throws out 5055 signature petition on Rilwan’s disappearance

The People’s Majlis on Tuesday threw out a 5055 signature petition which urged the parliament’s National Security Committee to pressure the Maldives Police Services to conduct a speedy and thorough investigation.

In a letter to MP Imthiyaz Fahmy, who sponsored the petition, Majlis Secretary General Ahmed Mohamed said the petition had failed to fulfill requirements outlined in the Majlis standing orders.

Condemning the move, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP said Secretary General Mohamed had later admitted the rejection of the petition was “a mistake” and confirmed it had been submitted according to all procedures.

“We are extremely concerned. The MDP submitted the case to various subcommittees. Ruling party MPs killed the case in every single committee, and have now killed the 5055 signature petition submitted by Rilwan’s family,” Fahmy MP said.

“I don’t know whether they will be looking at it again. But they [Majlis] did admit that what they did was wrong when they threw out the petition. They have completely ignored the law when they issued a letter to me to saying the petition does not meet requirements.”

The Majlis secretariat had said the sponsoring MP had not signed all pages of the petition as Article 200 of Majlis regulations. However, Fahmy pointed out his signature was in fact present on all pages.

Article 199 the Majlis standing orders state a petition can only be submitted on a bill submitted to Majlis, an issue taken up in Majlis, or an issue of public concern.

Fahmy’s urgent motion on Rilwan’s disappearance on August 19 was accepted with bipartisan support.

“When I countered all of their arguments, they at last said it was a mistake. All the required signatures were there. Then, not knowing what to say, they said we will try to proceed. What kind of answer is this?” the Maafannu North MP said.

“The PPM holds a majority in Majlis. Their refusal to look into the issue via Majlis sub committees and rejection of the petition indicates the government’s stand on this issue.”

Despite public outcry, the PPM has largely remained indifferent. Today is the 81st day since the reporter disappeared.

The petition, submitted on September 4, asked MPs to investigate if the police had been negligent in investigating Rilwan’s disappearance and asked MPs to find out if an abduction reported on August 8 in front of Rilwan’s apartment building was connected to his disappearance.

Four men have been arrested over the case, but only one man remains in custody at present. The police have only revealed few details on the investigation.

Home Minister Umar Naseer said he believed Rilwan is alive and promised to return him safe to his family. He has also acknowledged involvement of criminal gangs in the case.

Human rights NGO Maldivian Democracy Network released a report in September implicating radicalised gangs in Rilwan’s disappearance.

Discounting theories of voluntary disappearance and suicide, the investigation – conducted by Glasgow-based Athena Intelligence and Security – concludes the disappearance is likely to have been an abduction.

The report confirmed evidence of possible “hostile surveillance” at the terminal conducted by two known affiliates of Malé based Kuda Henveiru gang.

The NGO on October 23 accused the police of negligence in investigating the disappearance for their failure to inform the public on progress and failure to confirm if the abduction reported on the night Rilwan went missing was related to his disappearance.

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PPM has fulfilled many pledges in manifesto, says Tourism Minister Adeeb

The ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) has fulfilled many of its pledges, deputy leader and tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb has said.

“This government’s pledges are laid out in our manifesto. I would like to note as this government marks 11 months in power, this young government has fulfilled many pledges,” Adeeb told reporters at a press conference to mark the PPM’s third anniversary on Monday.

The PPM has increased elderly pension from MVR2300 to MVR 5000, reduced fuel and food prices, and maintained the value of the Maldivian Rufiyaa, the minister said, while pledging to destroy the dollar black market.

Adeeb in March had promised the increase in elderly pensions would come through the sale of T-bills and other financial instruments and not through the state budget. But Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad in August admitted the government is forced to rely on the budget to finance the handouts.

The Finance Ministry has said the unplanned increase in handouts and debt servicing is responsible for a ballooning budget deficit, which currently stands at MVR 4 billion (US$260million). The Majlis had planned for a deficit of MVR1.3 billion when it passed the record MVR17.95 million budget.

The finance ministry in September cut back on planned development projects and announced a 20 percent cut in recurrent expenditure, excluding wages and allowances, to curb the deficit.

The PPM’s most noteworthy pledges include a cash handout of MVR10,000 to fishermen during lean months and MVR8,000 to farmers, a doctor for every citizen,and unlimited healthcare under the Aasandha insurance scheme.

After President Abdulla Yameen assumed power, the fisheries ministry announced the MVR10,000 fishermen handouts would be issued through an insurance scheme with a monthly premium of MVR500.

The health ministry launched the unlimited Aasandha scheme and a doctor for every family program in February, though the family doctor project is at present operating only in Malé’s suburb Villimalé and Faafu Atoll Nilandhoo Island.

The PPM also pledged to begin oil exploration in the Maldives, to create a youth city in Malé’s suburb Hulhumalé, to create 94,000 jobs, bring 11 resorts into operation every year, increase annual tourist arrivals to 5 million, and give resort workers shares in resorts.

Women will be allowed to work from home and will be given investment money to encourage female entrepreneurship. Senior citizens will also receive MVR 00,000 on retirement at 65 years of age, said PPM manifesto – launched just days before last year’s presidential poll.

The party also promised higher education to any student who passes tenth grade O’Level with three passes and promised to provide 2000 youths with opportunities for higher education.

Adeeb said the government had faced serious challenges when it assumed power in 2013 including debt repayment and a health and education sectors in ruin. But the PPM and the government has achieved great success, he said.

“We have five years to fulfill pledges in the manifesto. Of those five years, 11 months have passed. There are many days left. So I think we should be given time in evaluating this government’s success,” he said.

“There will be more prosperous changes in the next year,” he promised.

Meanwhile, opposition leader and former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Mohamed Nasheed has said the PPM government has failed to fulfill pledges or ensure security in the country. The country has been taken over by rebel police and gangs, he claimed.

Referring to the government’s failure to find missing Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan or take action against several masked men who attacked MDP supporters in an Addu City rally, Nasheed said the government has failed to bring perpetrators of serious crime to justice.

He also criticised the government for its decision to ‘freeze employment’ in an attempt to reduce the ballooning budget deficit.

More than 5000 students are to finish their O levels, said the former president, with a further 2000 completing A levels – suggesting that these groups would be lost to gangs without gainful employment.

“The budget deficit has risen higher than ever before. The government is in huge amounts of debt after selling treasury bills to make ends meet,” he added.

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MTCC not responsible for severe sand spill on Komandoo reef, says environment minister

The state owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will not be penalised for a severe sand spill on the reef of Komandoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim told parliament today.

The sand spill – which has destroyed large swathes of the island’s reef – was caused by a storm surge, Thoriq said.

The MTCC – in charge of a coastal protection and land reclamation project on the island – had implemented the required measures to prevent sand spills, but bad weather and swells caused the erosion of reclaimed areas and washed piled up sand onto the reef, Thoriq said.

Speaking to Minivan News today, Komandoo MP Ahmed Nashid blamed the MTCC’s slow progress for the sand spill, claiming the sand piles had been left on the island’s shores since 2012.

If the project had been completed on time, the spill would not have taken place, he suggested.

Minister Thoriq told the Majlis this morning that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) had acknowledged sand had spilled onto the reef.

“However, the island council’s members said the spill was not reported in case it may halt the project,” said Thoriq.

MP Nashid had summoned the minister for questioning, asking if the ministry had done a survey of damages and if the MTCC would be penalised for the spill.

Thoriq said the environment ministry had not been informed of the spill prior to Nashid raising the issue, but had monitored the area afterwards. An EPA team had visited the site and found the MTCC had followed all environmental procedures outlined in the environmental impact assessment report, he explained.

According to Thoriq – who said the exact date of the spill was unknown – explained that the sand had now washed off into the ocean with currents and the reef was showing signs of regeneration.

If any party reports environmental violations, the EPA will inspect site and take required action, he added.

The ministry does not have the capacity to monitor all ongoing projects, and will only begin an inspection if a violation is reported. But the ministry does take punitive action against companies who violate EIAs, he insisted.

The government intends to carry out projects to address erosion in seven islands this year, the minister told MPs, with approximately 97 percent of inhabited islands in the Maldives reporting severe erosion.

The government will spend MVR116.3 million (US$ 7.5 million) on protecting 3,482 meters of shore in the seven islands, he said.

In May, environmental NGO EcoCare accused Netherlands based Boskalis of committing environmental crimes after it caused sand to be deposited onto Baa Atoll Eydhafushi Island during a reclamation project.

The company’s rainbow technique for reclamation had also covered houses and vegetation on Eydhafushi and Raa Meedhoo Island with sand and water.

Minivan News was unable to reach the EPA to confirm if action had been taken against Boskalis for damages.

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NGO to conclude breast cancer awareness month with walk around Malé

The Cancer Society of Maldives (CMS) will conclude the breast cancer awareness month with a walk/run around the capital Malé on Thursday (October 30).

“Breast cancer survivors are going to participate in the walk. There will also be a CMS stall at Raalhugandu raising awareness about breast cancers and women’s boduberu at Raalhugandu during the walk,” said Chairperson Juwairiya Saeed.

According to Aasandha usage statistics, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the Maldives, with the most number of cases coming from Malé and Addu City.

Prevention of non-communicable diseases – including cancer – is a focus of the government’s 2006 -2015 Health Master Plan.

An awareness campaign was held from October 12 to 16 at the Huravee Building in association with the Table Tennis association of Maldives where members of the public were invited to play table tennis and donate money for the cause.

“Our main aim this month is to raise awareness and we have been doing so by conducting session about breast cancer every Wednesday night. Our sessions are focused at promoting self-diagnosis so that the cancer is detected in the early stages where it is easily curable,” explained Juwairiya.

The cancer society of Maldives is cut launched an SMS quiz about breast cancer as part of the awareness campaigns with a chance of winning a weekend for two at Reveries Diving Villa at Laamu Atoll. Participants must SMS ‘BC’ to 360 and answer all 10 questions correctly to be entered for the prize.

In February, CMS conducted a breast cancer screening at Addu City with the help of voluntary doctors from Singapore with plans to make the screenings an annual event to be held at a different atoll every year.

Juwairiya said that the association plans to establish a psycho-social support group for cancer patients, survivors and family members while highlighting the importance of eliminating the current social stigma surrounding cancer.

“CMS is also working on trying to establish a cancer database detailing the locations of the cancer patients, the expenses incurred for the treatment in order to identify suitable treatment methods. World Health Organization has expressed interest in the project,” said Juwairiya.

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PPM slams MDP and international community’s attempts to influence HRCM treason trial

The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) today slammed opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for allegedly using international organisations to influence the Supreme Court trials against the state’s human rights body.

“The MDP in connection with various international organisations is attempting to influence an ongoing court case initiated by the highest judicial authority Supreme Court against the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM),” the PPM said.

The Supreme Court in September charged the independent commission with undermining the Constitution and sovereignty of the Maldives by spreading lies about the judiciary in its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submission to the UN Human Rights Council.

The trial was initiated under suo moto regulations that allow the Supreme Court to initiate proceedings, prosecute, and pass judgment.

In its statement today, the PPM said it “harshly condemns MDP’s irresponsible attempts to discredit Maldives reputation and impoverish the Maldivian people.”

The MDP and the international community’s work harm Maldivian democracy and negatively impacts on the country’s tourism sector, the ruling party said.

The MDP had on September 23, expressed grave concern over the Supreme Court’s charges and accused the court of the undermining the Constitution.

“We believe that by initiating a suo moto case, the Supreme Court is undermining the responsibilities vested by the Maldivian Constitution and international conventions on the independent commission,” it said.

In the second hearing, the Supreme Court reprimanded the HRCM for basing criticism of the judiciary on a “rejected” 2013 report by the UN Special Rapporteur for Independence of Judges and Lawyers Gabriela Knaul.

The court denounced the HRCM’s statements on the judiciary as “dangerous,” “irresponsible”, and poorly researched.

Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz censured the HRCM for alleged failure to fact check the UPR submission and said the commission had no authority to comment on the judiciary, review court verdicts, or monitor court proceedings.

The HRCM trial is only the second suo moto case in the country’s history. The first – in March this year – saw the Supreme Court sack the Election Commission’s president and vice president for contempt of court.

The United Nations Human Rights Council in 2012 said it was “deeply concerned about the state of the judiciary in the Maldives.”

The Supreme Court in particular needed “radical readjustment,” the committee said. “As 6 of 7 Supreme Court judges are experts in Sharia law and nothing more, this court in particular is in need of radical readjustment.  This must be done to guarantee just trials, and fair judgments for the people of Maldives.”

The 2006 Human Right Commission Act lists the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with international conventions along with the assistance and support of relevant NGOs as basic objectives of the commission.

Additionally, Article 27 of the HRCM Act grant members immunity from prosecution in relation to acts carried out as part of the commission’s duties.

Article 27 (b) meanwhile says that a case can only be filed against the commission regarding published reports following an inquiry which proves components of the report to have been false.

The PPM in its statement today credited 30-year ruler President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for establishing a modern democracy in the country and gaining the respect and support for Maldivian sovereignty.

President Abdulla Yameen is following in the same footsteps, the statement read.

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China to “favorably consider” financing Malé-Hulhulé bridge if project proves feasible

China will “favorably consider” providing financial support to the construction of Malé – Hulhulé bridge project, if the venture proves feasible, the Embassy of China has said.

Speaking at a brief press conference at the President’s Office, Charge d’affaires ad interim of China Embassy Mr Liu Qiang revealed details of the MOU signed between China President Xi Jingping and President Yameen Abdulla in September.

He also explained that a Chinese survey team will complete a preliminary feasibility study of the project within 40 days.

The preliminary study will be followed by a project feasibility study. Afterwards, a design plan will be determined and the two governments will explore options to finance the project.

The arrival of the preliminary feasibility study “shows that the Chinese government attaches great attention both to this project and to the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the Maldives,” said Qiang.

President Xi has previously expressed his hope that the bridge would be named the ‘China-Maldives Friendship Bridge’.

“If this is possible engineering-wise, and if nature allows it, we will do it,” Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee said today.

The construction of a bridge was first announced during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s reelection campaign in 2008. President Mohamed Nasheed also pledged to link Malé to its suburb islands – Hulhumalé, Hulhulé, Villingili, and Gulhifalhu – via a bridge.

A 2011 feasibility study carried out by Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong explored three options to link Malé and Hulhulé, through Funadhoo Island on the north, or through two different paths on the southeastern side of Malé over the surf point to the edge of the runway on Hulhulé.

The study said a floating bridge would be possible via Funadhoo and a fixed bridge may be possible via Malé’s Raalhugandu area.

The cost of the bridge may run between US$ 70 and 100 million, the study added. Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb revealed last week that the current survey – said to cost $3-4 million – will be covered through Chinese aid, of which 100 million Yuan (around MVR250 million or US$16 million) was pledged in August.

The following month President Xi became the first Chinese head of state to visit the Maldives, signing various MoUs as well as a preliminary contract agreement on the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

During the historic visit, President Yameen told his counterpart that he hoped to increase the number of Chinese visitors threefold before the end of his term. Chinese tourists already represents around one third of the market share.

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