Saturday 15 April 2006

Hindustan Times
Pranab to leave for Maldives on April 15
Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee would transfer fast attack craft 'INS Tillanchang' to Maldives on April 16 during his two-day visit to that country beginning April 15. more

Photo News

Protest in Addu was great, Golhaa Force was too scared to attack

Addu - According to some protestors, the event yesterday was quite successful and eventful as well. Unlike the attacks of the protestors in Male' and Thinadhoo, Golhaa Force was too scared to pounce on Addu protestors, perhaps they had a good lesson from the lash clash with public in Addu. more

Photo News

Thinadhoo residents protesting for fishermen's rights

Thinadhoo - Several hundred people joined the protest yesterday in Thinadhoo calling for changes to Golhaabo's fisheries policies and for the removal of appointed MPs from the parliament. more

News Review

Member of Parliament Shafeeg remains critical after Golhaa Force tortured him yesterday

Male' - Hon. member for Meemu Atoll and senior member of MDP, Ahmed Shafeeq remains in ADK hospital and his condition is believed to be still serious. Hon. Shafeeq was arrested yesterday afternoon as he was participating in the demonstration in Male' along with other MPs. more

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Local News Update
MDP activist Shiyam in hospital in critical condition after 'Golhabo Faibaa' demonstration

Male' - Confirmed sources report that Haruge Shiyam, a key reformist and activist of MDP, is currently in IGMH hospital receiving treatment for head injuries amongst others. He was arrested yesterday as he was speaking on the megaphone setup in a pickup and was not involved in any conflict, and even surrendered peacefully when demanded by Golhaa Force. Yet, he was head butted by a Golhaa Force killer, with the helmet. He remains in custody and Golhaa Force is not allowing anyone to see him.

At this point in time, it is unclear how many people were in fact arrested throughout the country yesterday and last night for participating in the demonstration, calling for changes in government policy in fisheries and removal of Golhaabo appointed MPs from the parliament.

Press Release
MDP condemns the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstration
Demonstrations were held today in the three most populous regions of the Maldives, namely Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, Addu Atoll and Male', to protest against (a) President Gayoom's fishery policy which is making life extremely difficult for fishermen and their families, and (b) Gayoom's obstruction of the removal of his appointees from Parliament and the Constituent Assembly. more

Detainees Update
Actions taken by detainees and their families
Shalim Ali (17) was apprehended the detainee from Gaafu Dhaal Atoll, Thinadhoo Island, from a demonstration for fishermen's rights and for taking photographs of the police attacking the public on 14 April 2006. more

Video News

Golhaa Force arresting people indiscriminately

Several people were brutally beaten and arrested today in Maldives for standing against Golhaabo. see video

Photo News

Addu hates Golhaaboo.. anti Golhaa demonstration

Several hundred people took to the streets in Addu today. more

Breaking News (Live Updates)
MDP members under arrest

Male' - 00:14 - More than 2000 people are gathered outside ADK hospital demanding for the unconditional release of Meemu MP Sappe' and MDP official Aaniya as well as others reformists who were arrested  today.

Friday 14 April 2006

Breaking News (Live Updates)
MDP demonstration begins in Male'

Male' - Meemu Atoll member being transferred to ADK from IGMH for further tests. More than 100 people are gathered outside IGMH in protect.Male' - 21:40 - Meemu Atoll member Hon. Shafeeq (Sappe') who was arrested earlier has been admitted to the hospital IGMH with severe injuries. It is believed that his pelvic bones are cracked in two places as he was beaten severely upon arrest. Hundreds of MDP supporters are believed to be in the hospital. Golhaabo has been after Sappe' for a long time, ever since he started ridiculing his family members in the parliament.  full updates

Special Review

Can Jaaney beat Golhaabo for the Zaeemship of Rundin?
There are only two runners for the Zaeemship of Golhaabo's Dhivehi Rundinge Party (DRP), which is due to hold it's first congress on the 19th-21st of this month in Male'. More than 12 candidates are standing for the deputies, posts. more

Special Report

The Making of Hilton Resort on the island of Rangali Maldives 

Since last November, DO has been reporting on certain specific activities of Hilton Maldives Resort, and how Crown Company, local agent for Hilton and the actual owner of the investment, ripped bare a large part of a small island nearby called Mandhoo. more

News Review

Fisheries Minister orders to pull down a Market building in Kulhudhuffushi alleging it was donated by Christians
In an unusual development, the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Abdulla Kamaaluddeen has reportedly order the island chief of Kulhudhuffushi to dismantle a market building which was donated by a British firm called Shufflebottom, as part of their contribution to the Tsunami Appeal by Maldives Aid and Friends of Maldives UK. The market was only recently completed on the 9th of March. more

Press Release
MDP condemns the arbitrary arrest of Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll Council President Mr Mohamed Saleem Ali
MDP strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of the party's National Council Member and President of Regional Council for Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll, Mr Mohamed Saleem Ali. MDP also condemns the cruel manner in which he was arrested and the beatings he is reported to have sustained under police custody. more

Funds Appeal
A Maldivian student appeals to raise funds to study abroad
I am very much a financially disadvantaged student from a developing country Maldives. I will appreciate it very much if you could help me by funding my studies. You could help me by donating some money. If you are interested in helping me out please donate money into my bank account given below. I only need NZ$154,940 not a cent more. I am very grateful to each and every individual making a donation. more

BBC News
Police open fire on Nepal lawyers
Police in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, have opened fire on a group of lawyers protesting against King Gyanendra. Three of the lawyers have been wounded - one of them in the head - and at least 50 in the group are said to have been arrested. Security forces across Nepal have killed four protesters so far amid a wave of demonstrations by opponents of the king, who seized power in 2005. more

BBC News

Tigers want peace talks postponed
Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka have asked for fresh dates for peace talks scheduled to be held in Switzerland next week. The rebels say they want to take part in the talks but cannot attend next week because they will be meeting their commanders from the east at the time. The rebel request comes amid a wave of violence in northern and eastern Sri Lanka over the past few days. more

Thursday 13 April 2006

Opinion

Anni should come out on Friday and join the Fishermen's Demonstration

Friday is going to be a big day according to most people because the demonstration that is being predominantly planned by the Gaafu Dhaal regional assembly of the MDP, many others are joining in and is expected to be even bigger than any of the last demonstrations. more

Local News
Golhaa Force collaborating with Vimla Rasheed in Addu to stop Friday demonstration

Addu - Sources in Addu confirm that Golhaa Force held a special meeting this evening with Vimla Rasheed and his group at Regional Golhaa Force Centre in Gan, to discuss plans to curb the planned gathering in Addu to support the demonstration organized by Gaafu Dhaal regional assembly, calling for an end to the current fisheries policies and for the removal of the appointed members from the parliament. The demonstration is likely to be a huge one this Friday and many islands are taking part. In Addu, MDP members and supporters are going to hold a rally in support of the demonstration that is largely to take place in Male' on Friday but Vimla Rasheed is trying to stop it in association with Golhaa Force and on their instructions.

Minivan News
Opposition Protest to Continue Despite Arrests
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said on Wednesday that a nation-wide protest scheduled to take place on Friday will continue despite the arrest of party officials in the southern atoll of Gaaf Dhaal. Mohamed Saleem, the MDP’s top official in Gaaf Dhaal, was arrested on Wednesday morning. The arrest comes after three party officials, and a journalist with Minivan, were detained on Sunday, also in Gaaf Dhaal. more



Minivan News
PEN Demonstrates Outside Maldivian High Commission in London
English PEN, the freedom of expression NGO, staged a protest outside the Maldivian High Commission in London on Monday over the detention of journalists and writers in Maldives. more

 

BBC News

World court marks 60th birthday
The International Court of Justice in The Hague, the UN's highest legal body, marks its 60th anniversary Wednesday. The world court has been a judicial forum for disputes between states since the end of World War II. Court supporters say it is growing as a voice of impartial justice. Critics say it is powerless to impose its will. more

BBC News
Nepal police shoot dead protester
Police in Nepal have shot dead another protester as a stand-off between the king and his opponents continues.The man was killed in the south-western town of Parasi. Many more were reported hurt after police opened fire. Three other protesters were shot dead over the weekend. A fourth is reported to have died after being beaten. Meanwhile, a day-time curfew has been lifted in Kathmandu after four days. The king, who seized power in 2005, is widely criticised for cracking down. more

 

BBC News
Many killed after Sri Lanka blast
At least 14 people have been killed in a bomb attack and subsequent unrest in north-eastern Sri Lanka, police say. More than 40 others were injured in the blast in a Trincomalee market which brought mobs onto the streets. Shops and cars were torched before a curfew. Earlier, two policemen were killed and two hurt in a blast near the port town. more

 

BBC News
French MPs back revised jobs law
France's parliament has passed a bill to replace the defunct youth employment contract, which sparked major protests. The compromise plan includes state support for employers hiring young people facing "the most difficulties in gaining access to the labour market". Deputies in the National Assembly passed the bill by 151 votes to 93. more

 

Wednesday 12 April 2006

News

PEN Demonstration for prisoners in Maldives
On 10 April, over forty PEN members and friends gathered outside the Maldives High Commission to protest the imprisonment of three writers: Jennifer Latheef, Mohamed Nasheed, and Abdullah Saeed. English PEN organised the demonstration and delivered a letter of appeal to the High Commissioner, urging the release of all writers and journalists detained in violation of their right to freedom of expression - as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. more

Breaking News

Unrest in Thinadhoo between Golhaa Force and the public
Thinadhoo - 02:43 - Mr. Saleem has been transferred to Kaadedhdhoo Golhaa Force Centre. His arrest is directly related to the upcoming Fishermen's Demonstrations planned for this Friday.

Thinadhoo - 00:58 - MDP Huvadhoo Regional President Saleem has just been arrested by Golhaa Force, confirmed reports say.

Thinadhoo - 00:19 - Reports are coming that early this evening, a Golhaa Force member took a girl from the South side of the island to an empty house and her family members went there to rescue her. Soon after, news spread throughout the island and more people started to gather around the area. It is now reported that some people have been arrested, including Ahmed Waheed, Asrafeege and Ahmed Nimaal, Thaazaage. The culprit from Golhaa Force has been protected by his friends - the Golhaa Force, who turned up to the place in full riot gear. We will update with details as we get them.

Economic Review

Golhaabo's Haazaa Economy corroding away and staff are without drinking water

Felivaru Tuna Processing Plant, the only tuna processing plant in the country, is out of fresh water for the past three days. There are more than 900 staffs in Felivaru who are totally neglected by the top management appointed by Golhaabo. Employees have to attend duties without taking a shower properly and cleaning themselves up due to shortages in water stock. It has got to the point that some staff are in fact having to buy mineral water from the local retail shop operated by Felivaru for drinking and cleaning up. more

Letters to the Editor

Maldives, a step towards civilization!

What we are experiencing today may not have been even in the mind of a person few years back. It may not be a leap , but certainly is a start. With the amendments and reform of many laws, the media from opposition has contributed most to practicing them well. To have the freedom to speak ones own mind and share it with another person, without the fear of being tracked down and put behind bars. more

Tuesday 11 April 2006

Local News

Families of detainees from Thinadhoo given support by MDP members group

Thinadhoo - Four key MDP members were arrested from Thinadhoo day before yesterday because Golhaabo still cannot stand voice of dissent. Unlike in the past, family members of these detainess are being helped by MDP members in Thinadhoo who have setup a special fund to raise money to ensure that families of the detainees are looked after well until their loved ones return. More than 12,000 were raised within a few hours, and according to MDP Office in Thinadhoo, each family has already been given 3000 Rufiyaa today. President of MDP's South Huvadhoo District, Mr. Saleem has pledged his support to the fund, which was co-founded by him and said that he will pay a monthly payment of at least 3000/- per family of each reformist from his district detained by Gayyoom on politically motivated charges.

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United Nations Agenda item 17 (b) of the provisional agenda
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights: Human Rights Defenders (Section on the Maldives)

Editorial Note - Following pages make up the section on Maldives, a summary cases transmitted and replies received based on the Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations. This clearly indicates that the world at large is fully aware of the minute details of the human rights abuses that our people are suffering today under the hands of a tyrant. "While the Special Representative acknowledges the Government's position in respect of her communications of 18 August 2005 and 4 October 2005, she remains concerned about allegations of arbitrary detention and arrest against the human rights defenders in question. She looks forward to receiving further information regarding the outcome of the investigations by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives." more

Monday 10 April 2006

Local News

MDP members visit Kaadendhdhoo to say farewell to the 4 reformists bound for Golhaabo's notorious Dhoonidhoo Jail

Kaadhedhdhoo - Hundreds of MDP members went to Kaadedhdhoo Airport this afternoon, to say farewell to their friends and colleagues who were unlawfully arrested by Golhaa Force yesterday on explicit orders from the Dictator. more

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News Review

Dictator Gayyoom on a begging tour planning the Road Map to escape people's justice

The Maldives Dictator Gayyoom, now popularly known as Golhaabo, is currently on a tour of Kuwait and Egypt, all indications are that the trips are unofficial.

He arrived in Kuwait on Saturday and was received by Justice and Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Minister Dr. Abdullah Abdulrahman Al-Matouq of Kuwait.  According to diplomats, this is a clear indication that the visit is not official but personal. more

Sunday 9 April 2006

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Breaking News

Golhaa Force strikes Thinadhoo - Four senior MDP members arrested
Thinadhoo - Early this morning the Golhaa Force arrested 4 key MDP reformists from GD Thinadhoo. On 16th April 2006 the President of the Thinadhoo constituency of the party announced of their intention of demonstrating on the 14th April 2006, against the government fishery policy and to the presence of the unelected 29 members in the Special Majlis. more

Saturday 8 April 2006

Editorial

Like thousands of Maldivians, I am also a student of the famous and respected teacher Abdul Majeed Shameen, popularly known as Majeed Sir. He is the founder and manager of one of the oldest tuition classes in the Maldives. Majeed Sir is a man worthy of praise, because he dedicated his entire life to educate Maldivians. more

Buzzle.com - Your Comments
Interview: Ahmed Moosa – Democratic Transition In Maldives
The Maldives are an archipelago off the Indian sub-continental mainland. On June 2nd, 2005, the Maldivian Parliament (Majilis) revoked their earlier ban on political parties. Does this mark the beginning of the Maldives’s democratic transition? read and comment

Asia Times
Maldives: Tiny islands, big intrigue
BANGALORE - Concerned about China's growing interest in the Indian Ocean, a body of water and region that New Delhi considers to be its own sphere of influence, India is strengthening its already close military cooperation with Maldives, a nation of 1,192 tiny, low-lying coral islands strategically located about 300 miles off subcontinent's southeast coast. more

Hindu
Senior Chinese leader leaves for India
Beijing, April 7. (PTI): A senior Chinese leader on Thursday left here for India as part of the high-level exchanges to enhance mutual trust and cooperation between the two Asian giants. more

BBC News
Scores arrested in Nepal protest
At least 150 anti-government protesters have been arrested in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, as a campaign against King Gyanendra gathers pace. Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse demonstrators, who hurled stones and set fire to a post office. more



BBC News
Obasanjo should resign, VP says
The row between Nigeria's leaders has intensified, with the vice-president urging President Olusegun Obasanjo to resign "for breaking the constitution". Vice-President Atiku Abubakar opposes moves to let Mr Obasanjo seek a third term in office. His comments come after he was told to step down by Mr Obasanjo's spokesman. more

Friday 7 April 2006

News Review

Majeed Sir's detention disgraceful

Respected and popular teacher and founder of the famous Kinaaraa Tuition Class Abdul Majeed Shameem, popularly known as Majeed Sir was arrested by Golhaa Force last Monday without a warrant or a charge and in complete contradiction to the relevant laws, says legal experts. more

World Health Day 2006

Health workforce crisis is having a deadly impact on many countries' ability to fight disease and improve health, new WHO report warns
A serious shortage of health workers in 57 countries is impairing provision of essential, life-saving interventions such as childhood immunization, safe pregnancy and delivery services for mothers, and access to treatment for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. This shortage, combined with a lack of training and knowledge, is also a major obstacle for health systems as they attempt to respond effectively to chronic diseases, avian influenza and other health challenges, according to The World Health Report 2006 - Working together for health, published today by the World Health Organization (WHO). more

World Health Report 2006
Working Together for Health
In this first decade of the 21st century, immense advances in human well-being coexist with extreme deprivation. In global health we are witnessing the benefits of new medicines and technologies. But there are unprecedented reversals. Life expectancies have collapsed in some of the poorest countries to half the level of the richest – attributable to the ravages of HIV/AIDS in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and to more than a dozen "failed states". These setbacks have been accompanied by growing fears, in rich and poor countries alike, of new infectious threats such as SARS and avian influenza and "hidden" behavioural conditions such as mental disorders and domestic violence. download full report  
 

Official Statement

"The allegations made by the Dhivehi Observer are misleading" Hilton Maldives

The Maldives, 6 April 2006: The Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa and its owning company, Crown Company PVT, are aware of the allegations of environmental damage on Mandhoo Island posted on the 'Dhivehi Observer' website from November 2005 to date. more

Detainees Update
Actions taken by families of detainees
Abdulla Saeed (Fahala)'s wife reported the Criminal Court sentenced the detainee on 26 March 2006 under Article 88 of the Penal Code for disobeying police orders, which was refusing to give his urine samples. Wife of detainee reported the police transported the detainee to Maafushi prison on the same day. Wife of detainee reported the detainee appealed his case to the High Court on the first week of April 2006. more  

BBC News

Anti-Thaksin protests 'to go on'
Opponents of the outgoing Thai prime minister say they will keep up their protests until he is removed completely from political power.
Thaksin Shinawatra won Sunday's election but stepped aside following a large protest vote. more

 

BBC News
Nepalese opposition begin strike
Opposition parties in Nepal say police have detained dozens of their leaders and workers on the first day of their four-day general strike.
The opposition is protesting against King Gyanendra's seizure of power more than a year ago. more

 

BBC News
Saddam co-accused defends actions
A co-defendant in the trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has said that 148 Shia Muslims sentenced to death in 1982 had a 16-day fair trial. Awad al-Bandar also told the court that none of those sentenced to death was under 20 years old. more

Thursday 6 April 2006

Document given to Commonwealth
MDP's Views and Comments on Gayoom's Roadmap
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) cannot view the roadmap for democracy announced by President Gayoom as anything other than one of his typical tactics to buy time for his regime. The reasons for the party's point of view and comments regarding the roadmap are noted below. more 

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Buzzle.com
Interview: Ahmed Moosa – Democratic Transition In Maldives
The Maldives are an archipelago off the Indian sub-continental mainland. On June 2nd, 2005, the Maldivian Parliament (Majilis) revoked their earlier ban on political parties. Does this mark the beginning of the Maldives’s democratic transition? more

Breaking News
Golhaa force leaves Thinadhoo to Fares-Maathodaa as unrest begins there over FPID fish purchasing restrictions
Fares-Maathodaa - 4:25 am - Golhaa Force has prepared for the final assault. They have asked all the boats to leave the scene. It appears that a conflict is inevitable. The fishing vessels are refusing to leave. Golhaa Force are preparing to use tear gas and force.

Fares-Maathodaa - 03:55am - Fisherman have now been trying to sell their catch for the last 18 hours and many won't be able to go for their routine fishing trip today, which could potentially loose them thousands of dollars. They have a right to be outraged and upset with Golhaabo's failures to buy their catch. "We are tired and we are starving, we can't go fishing today," said a Fisherman from Maathodaa.

Thinadhoo - 03:40 - Fearing an attack on the people of Fares-Maathodaa, several vessel are about to leave Thinadhoo to resist Golhaa Force there and protect the fisherman and the people of Fares-Maathodaa.

Fares-Maathodaa 03:31am - Situation is getting tense. Golhaa Force are warning fisherman to leave the MIFCO boat or they will take action with force. Fisherman are rejecting the call and saying that they will not leave until they are paid for the fish they caught.

Thinadhoo 02:35am - Reports are coming that there is unrest also near GA. Hirihuttaa, where MIFCO is also refusing to buy fish from the fisherman. More than 4 tonnes have already been wasted and thrown back into MIFCO boat the stock turned bad. Fisherman are warning that unless all catch are not purchased by MIFCO within the next hour, they will torch the MIFCO vessel Randhi-24.

Thinadhoo 2:34am - People of Thinadhoo are closely monitoring the situation and have vowed to fight back if Golhaa's terrorists attack Fares-Maathodaa or inflict any injury on any one there. "We will fight back for our rights and that of our people, we are fed up with this. Let this be a warning for Golhaabo," said a resident of Thinadhoo.

Thinadhoo 2:20am - Sources in Thinadhoo have confirmed that the people of Fares-Maathodaa have sieged a MIFCO fish purchasing vessel near the island because they refused to purchase the fish caught by the men of the island today. It appears that the people sieged the vessel and broke some glasses in the vessel in the rage. More than 50 Golhaa Force terrorists are now on their way to Fares-Maathodaa to control the situation. Terrorists are going in full riot gear headed by Staff Sergeant Iyaz and Sergeant Ziyad, on board Hunadhoo-2 Dhoni and people's vessel Haalaafaru speed boat.
Earlier yesterday, 29 tonnes of fish were rejected by MIFCO but later agreed to purchase around midnight yesterday. "The fish had all gone bad by the time they bought it fearing unrest in Thinadhoo, what a waste of public money. Golhaabo is incapable of running the country," said an informer in Thinadhoo.

Opinion

How is democracy better than dictatorship?

It is a question that is often debated 'is democracy a better form of government than dictatorship?' there are some people who feel that more important than the form of government is how efficient it is. According to democracy a good government must meet two requirements. The first of these is that it should serve the greatest good of the greatest number and the second is that it must give the maximum freedom possible to every individual. When we consider these two requirements only a democracy fulfills both of them to a large extent. more

Review

Golhaa Force

Golhaaboa wastes millions of dollars to purchase and arm the Golhaa Force to control peaceful dissent and crush demonstrations whilst the nation is starving. Through past video studies, eyewitness accounts of the Golhaa Force tactics and with the help of international studies we now have developed ways to defend ourselves from their tactical attacks, however we will remain peaceful and tolerant but remember there will be a limit for your actions against our unarmed civilians. more

Detainees Update
Actions taken by families of detainees
Fathimath Shiuna's mother reported the police arrested the detainee on 19 February 2006 for allegedly stopping at a gathering on her way home. Mother of detainee reported the detaining authorities are holding the detainee at Dhoonidhoo Island Detention Center. more

BBC News

Thai PM's exit leaves questions
Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to step aside as Thailand's prime minister has left both his party and his opponents with many unanswered questions. Mr Thaksin has temporarily handed over to Deputy PM Chidchai Vanasatidya, but his party has yet to decide who can replace him to lead the new government. more

BBC News

Nepal police in rally crackdown
Police in Nepal have detained about 50 pro-democracy protesters for defying a ban on public rallies in the capital, Kathmandu, activists say. The arrests come a day ahead of a planned anti-monarchy protest and four day general strike by a seven-party opposition alliance. more

BBC News
Saddam Hussein dismisses evidence
Saddam Hussein has dismissed evidence suggesting he approved the execution of people under 18 - the minimum age for death sentences under his rule. He was being cross-examined for the first time about the killing of Shias in the town of Dujail, following an attempt to assassinate him in 1982. more

Wednesday 5 April 2006

Local News
Lawyer Husnu Suood summoned to the Justice Ministry regarding press release
Male' - Lawyer Suood was summoned to the Justice Ministry today around 2:30pm regarding a press release on behalf of his client, MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed (Anni)'s continued house arrest. Sources close to Lawyer Suood confirmed that he was summoned to find out further information regarding the press release which argued that Anni's continued house arrest was both illegal and politically motivated.
Several people gathered near the Justice Building in Male' to support Suood in case Golhaa Force apprehends him there. There were fears that Golhaabo might have revoked his legal practicing license. Suood is one of the few lawyers in Maldives who challenges the tyranny of Gayyoom and is prepared to represent and defend dissidents.

Special Report

Lies from Crown and Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa may mean millions for Mandhoo islanders
The Maldives Crown company and Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa complex have accused Dhivehi Observer of lying in our report on 6 November 2005 titled 'Hilton hits on Mandhoo – No Room for Ethics in Maldives Resort.' Dhivehi Observer claimed that a large area of Mandhoo island on Alifu (south Ari) atoll has been illegally stripped of coconut palms and soil for the nearby luxury resort at Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa complex in Rangali and Rangalifinolhu islands. The Hilton resort and Hilton's Maldive agent Crown company, who supplied the resort with palms, soil and mangrove trees, denied the Dhivehi Observer report in a lengthy response published by Minivan News website. more

News

MDP visit to Denmark

Mohamed Latheef and Ahmed Naseem visited a number of senior government officials, MP's, MEP's and the Danish Institute of Human Rights in Copenhagen yesterday. They are on a three day visit to Denmark on the third leg of their European tour, and will continue with more meetings today. more

Letters to the Editor

A message to the world

As an independent individual I am still in doubt of what is meant by "freedom of speech". Up to this very day many efforts have been made to make this a reality. As of today citizens of the Maldives do not have their proper rights. People who do come out with their hearts open are either untouchable or risk their lives knowing that it would strike them in one way or the other. more

Tuesday 4 April 2006

Media Advisory

Health workforce crisis is having a deadly impact on many countries' ability to fight disease and improve health, new work report warns
On World Health Day, 7 April, 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing The World Health Report 2006 - Working together for health, a comprehensive study of the global health workforce. The Report points to a severe shortage of health workers in 57 countries. This shortage is impairing provision of essential, life-saving interventions such as childhood immunization, safe pregnancy and delivery services for mothers, and access to treatment for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. More than four million additional doctors, nurses, midwives, managers and public health workers are urgently needed to fill the gap in these countries, 36 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. more

News in Science
What women need: sweaty male armpits
Sniff this and feel good: male underarm sweat makes women feel more relaxed
Being exposed to the smell of a sweaty male armpit can make a woman feel calmer, according to a new study by a U.S. research team. more

BBC News
Taylor pleads not guilty at trial
Charles Taylor listened impassively as the charges were read out
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor has pleaded not guilty to all charges in his first appearance at a war crimes court in Sierra Leone. more 

BBC News
Italian contenders face TV debate
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is set to go face-to-face with challenger Romano Prodi in a final pre-election TV debate. The latest opinion polls put Mr Berlusconi's centre-right coalition up to five points behind his centre-left rival before surveys were suspended. more

Monday 3 April 2006

Breaking News
Baby Escaping Justice: Golhaa Force Baby and some BG group members are booked on tonight's SQ flight
Male' - Sources in Male' have confirmed that Golhaa Force Baby (Nishan) and some members of the BG group who attacked Tholal and Ibrahim (Jinsay) are booked on tonight's SQ leaving Male' at 9:55pm. According to Golhaa's propaganda machine Haveeru, the two victims deserved what they got and apparently they have been in an out of Golhaa Force HQ several times, and that according to Haveeru justifies the attack. Furthermore, Golhaa Force are stating that relating the incident to them is nothing but an attempt by opposition to create hatred towards them. After what they have done to the locals, over the past 2 years, it is hard to see how and why anyone will have any respect or love for these criminals, which acts as a private militia force for Golhaabo.
There are also new leads which point to that fact that the attack of Vilee Fulus near IGMH was also orchestrated by Chikaa and BG gang on orders of Adam Zahir.
Many are expected to go to the airport to prevent these criminals from fleeing.

Panoramic Picture

Women's Rights Demonstration - Artificial Beach - Male'  30 March 2006

Press Release
MDP condemns the growing violent and callous attacks by thugs on opponents of President Gayyoom
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns the continuing violent attacks against those who oppose President Gayyoom's regime. MDP wishes to note that on 2 April 2006, Mr Ibrahim Umar Manik, Mr Ahmed Tholal and Mr Ibrahim Rafeeu, three MDP activists who helped with the organisation of last Thursday's women's demonstrations, were attacked by thugs wielding steel rods. This cowardly attack was not a coincidence, but the latest in a string of attacks to revenge and intimidate those who oppose Gayyoom's regime. more

Breaking News Update

Ibrahim regains consciousness but remain critically ill in ICU, Golhaa Baby to flee tonight and more MDP members arrested relating to last night's unrest near IGMH
Male' - 15:57 - Sources in Male' have confirmed that Ibrahim (Jinsay) has now regained consciousness but remains critically ill in intensive care unit (ICU) at IGMH. Family sources also confirm that they are making arrangements to fly him to Sri Lanka as early as tomorrow provided he is permitted to fly. more

Tourism News

10 New Islands Placed on Bid for Tourist Resort Development
The Government of Maldives plans to release 35 new islands for tourist resort development, consisting of 20 islands to be placed on bid and 15 islands to be awarded to a proposed public company for tourism development. more

Newsweek
7 New Wonders of the World
Maldives - It might not seem possible for an entire country to sink, but that is exactly what is happening to the Maldives, a nation of 12,000 islands that contain some of the richest marine life in the world. With more than 80 percent of its land less than a meter above sea level, the Maldives are particularly at risk from the rising sea levels caused by global warming. The 2004 tsunami, which devastated the country's infrastructure, has already erased some tiny atolls and the country's maps have been redrawn. Conservationists hope to prevent further erosion by regrowing damaged coral reefs. more

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Breaking News Update

People gathering near IGMH - Two MDP activists hospitalized after an attack by Golhaa Force

LIVE UPDATES

Male' - 00:59 - Golhaa Force have used tear gas to disperse the crowd. BG group is supporting and aiding Golhaa Force, eyewitness say. more 

Male' - 00:48 - Large crowds of people have reportedly smashed the windows of the Vilee Fulus near IGMH. Golhaa Force is attacking people indiscriminately under orders from Adam Zahir and Two-Two, as instructed by Golhaabo. Some locals have been injured. Golhaa has asked BG mob group for help who have arrived there now, reports say.

Male' - 00:32 - Ibrahim has been transferred to Intensive Care Unit. More than a 1000 people are gathered near IGMH. Reports of clash between Golhaa Force and the public.

Male' - 00:10 - Golhaa Force Baby is being sent to Singapore sources say so that he is safe.

Male' - 00:00 - Reports are coming that people are gathering near IGMH (there were conflicting reports that he was transferred to ADK earlier), where Ibrahim (Jinsay) is critically ill. Family sources say he had a brain hemorrhage and will need to be flown abroad to have any chance of saving his life. Ibrahim and Tholal were attacked by Golhaa Force and mobs in the early hours of this evening near Ma. Kelaavee (near PC Phone Shop) in Kaaminee Magu. The attack was totally unprovoked according to eyewitnesses there. more 

Nashid Column
In a police state?
With every action Gayoom makes it become clearer that honest political reform is the last of his intentions. His most recent act is the Police Bill that the government has sent to the parliament for debate. The proposed bill makes it quite clear that the police for Gayoom are a force that is used to prop up is dictatorial regime and not an institution that should work in the interest of the community. more

Minivan News
Jenny's Appeal Postponed
The appeal hearing of Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience Jennifer Latheef was suddenly cancelled by the government on Sunday. Jenny was due to attend court at 11am but officials from the Department of Penitentiaries Rehabilitation Services (DPRS) informed her at 9:30am that the trial was postponed "because the judge isn't around." No further explanation was given. more

Sunday 2 April 2006

Breaking News

Two MDP activists hospitalized after an attack by Golhaa Force

Male' - 10:30pm - Reports are coming that a local group of thugs known as BG group assisted Golhaa Force in the attack. There are also reports that Golhaa Force Baby has just been taken from ADK Canteen by Golhaa Force to show the public that he is under the full protection of Golhaabo. more pictures

Male' - Confirmed reports from Male' say that two senior MDP activists Ibrahim (Jinsay) and Tholal, are critically injured and receiving emergency care at hospital after they were attacked around 7:00 pm this evening by Golhaa Force. It is reported that this was purely a revenge attack orchestrated by Golhaa Force member known as Baby and his friends. more

Minivan News
Latheef Outlines MDP's Position on the Roadmap
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Founder Mohamed Latheef, currently on a diplomatic tour of Europe, talks about the party's position vis-a'-vis President Gayoom's recently launched roadmap for democratic reform. more

Maldivian Detainees Network
Actions taken by families of detainees
Ahmed Ahid's brother of detainee reported the police arrested detainee on 30 March 2006 from the Minivan Park where a demonstration for the rights of women was about to begin.Brother of detainee reported he telephoned the police headquarters on 31 March 2006 and enquired as to the whereabouts of detainee. Brother of detainee reported the police officer informed him that all the detainees were presently held in Dhoonidhoo Island Detention Centre. more

International Commission of Jurists
Maldives: ICJ renews call for the immediate, unconditional release of Jennifer Latheef
On the eve of Jennifer Latheef's appeal hearing the International Commission of Jurists today renewed its call on the Government of the Maldives to order the immediate, unconditional release of Jennifer Latheef. more

Press Release
MDP calls for the immediate release of political prisoner Ms Jennifer Latheef
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) understands that the appeal of the verdict of Ms Jennifer Latheef, democracy activist and Minivan News photojournalist, is scheduled for 2 April 2006 at the High Court of Maldives. Ms Latheef was sentenced in 2005 to 10 years in jail under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, for "throwing stones and sticks at soldiers on 20 September 2003". more

Wikipedia
Profile of MDP Chairman Mohamed Nasheed

Mohamed Nasheed (b. May 17, 1967), commonly referred to as Anni, former Parliament member for Male', is the chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party and an open critic of the president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his policies. Due to his intense criticism, over the years he was arrested and sentenced several times. He was made an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in 1991 when he was being held in prison for writing for the popular political magazine known as "Sangu". more  

News
Blatter to visit tsunami-hit Asian nations
FIFA president Sepp Blatter will next week visit Asian countries hit by the devastating tsunami in 2004, the sport's world governing body said on Thursday. more


BBC News
UN to discuss Taylor trial move
UN Security Council members have been given a copy of a draft resolution to allow Liberian ex-President Charles Taylor's trial to move to The Hague. Mr Taylor, a former warlord, has been charged with war crimes by the special court for Sierra Leone and is currently in custody in the capital, Freetown. more

Saturday 1 April 2006

More Photos
More photos, only 40 women there they say
According to Golharists, there were less than 40 women taking part in last Thursday's demonstration. These photographs, very extensive in coverage, proves otherwise. more

Petition Online
Let Maldives survive
It's urgently needed to help people who live in the Republic of Maldives, in the village of Mandhoo Island. Their life and future is at stake, due to some greedy acts of environmental destruction initiated by an international hotel chain, operating in the Maldives (Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa, Rangali and Rangalifinolhu islands). In particular, Hilton Management is rudly and massively uprooting palms and mangroves away from Mandhoo, to plant again them in its new or renewed resorts for tourists. more

Local News

Dr. Didi, Maldives' famous dentist remains locked up

Gayyoom has once again shown his hatred and insincerity about reform by arresting a number of key MDP members and activists. Amongst those arrested on Thursday, is one of the most popular and much loved dentist in the country, Dr. Ibrahim Didi, who has devoted all his spare time to the cause of fighting the oppressive regime of Gayyoom. more

Photo News

The women of Addu joined in yesterday's demonstration

Addu Atoll - In a show of solidarity with the Women's Rights Demonstration held in Male' yesterday, the women of Addu also joined in the demonstration across the islands. The rally was organized by the women of the MDP branches across the Atoll and speeches were delivered by key activists, calling for justice and the release of women who are held in prison in Maldives, including Shiuna and Areesha. more

Photo News

Golhaa Force under Drug Dealer Chika's command

As expected by many, Golhaabo had to use his low key tactics yesterday to try and disrupt the Women's Rights Demonstration organized by MDP. A local drug dealer and now one of Golhaabo's trusted mob leaders, Mr. Chikaa was spotted moving around the Golhaa Force. more

BBC News
French job law 'constitutional' - Students have continued protests by blocking roads and railway lines
France's top constitutional body has ruled that a youth employment law which has sparked weeks of protest is legal. The Constitutional Council move clears the way for the bill to be signed into law by President Jacques Chirac. His prime minister has championed the law - aimed at tackling high levels of youth unemployment. more 

BBC News

BBC In pictures: French protests
Hundreds of thousands of students and workers have taken to the streets across France in protest against a controversial new youth employment law (the CPE). more

Commemoration

Yasir Jameel died on April 1st, 1995
We miss you dear friend. Eleven years ago, you left us but we still think of you as if you are still with us. You will always be in our hearts and minds. May Almighty Allah bless your soul and grant you eternal life in heaven. - Your friends

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