MDP
renews calls for the resignation of Commissioner Adam Zahir after recent spate
of police violence
A press statement from the MDP today said that this was the worst police
violence since January 2006, referring to the brutal attack on the people of
Kin'bidhoo and the spates that followed in Male' on Friday night. The statement
said, that in light of the most serious police brutality in over a year, the MDP
demands the resignation of Police Commissioner Adam Zahir and the immediate
reform of the Police Integrity Commission.
more
Male' - 17:30 -
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is sending
fact-finding missions to both Kin'bidhoo and
Ihavandhoo after reports of brutal attack on
locals protesting peacefully. The team to
Kin'bidhoo includes Husnu Al-Suood and shadow
minister Dr. Ibrahim Didi, who will be joined by
other MDP members already there. The team have
now arrived in Kin'bidhoo according to latest
reports. The team to Ihavandhoo include shadow
ministers, Mohamed Shafeeg (Voyages) and Ameen
Faisal.
more
News Update Ihavandhoo
Protest going strong
Ihavandhoo - 4:30
am - More than 400 people are still around the
island office protesting, demanding the
resignation of the island chief and an inquiry
into the mismanagement of the ADB
electrification project. Speaking to DO, a
senior reformist in the island just said "given
the past history of this regime, we expect them
to crackdown very hard on us, but we are united
in this endeavour, and we are sticking
together." The protest is set to continue.
Kin'bidhoo - Severely injured man brought to Male'
for treatment
Male' - 00:00 - Ziya's condition is now stable but
reports. Hundreds of people gathered near IGMH this evening and protested over
the continued torture of civilians who rise up demanding their rights. According
to our sources, 3 people were arrested during the protest outside the hospital
in Male'.
more
News Review
Maldives dictator has no freedom of movement 'It's
Golhaa Chasing Season!'
Male' - It was quite visible that the Dictators
seat was empty in the ceremony on Friday night to mark the prophet Muhammad's (PBUH)
birthday. The notable absence is seen among political analysts as a clear sign
that the Dictator is quite scared of facing the public and feared that they
might stage a protest outside the Islamic Centre had he gone there tonight.
After all it was only last night he has sent his brute force to Kin'bidhoo to
terrorize its residents and another attack is imminent on Ihavandhoo according
to residents there. more
Local New
Brutal
crackdown imminent say protestors in Ihavandhoo
People of
Ihavandhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll have been
protesting over the delay of ADB funded
electricity project since Wednesday. The
islanders gathered in front of the Island Office
and prevented it from opening in protest over
the issue. The protests are calling for
the resignation of island chief Adnan Abdullah
and they demand immediate action by the
government to provide them with electricity as
soon as possible. This is a phenomenon that is
becoming more and more common in islands, across
the country these days.
more
About Islam Milad
an-Nabi - Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
In the Islamic calendar, the 12th day of Rabi-al-Awwal marks the birthday of the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There is a difference of opinion about
whether the Milad Un-Nabi should be a time of celebration.
more
Details of a number of detainees from Kin'bidhoo
Sister of law of detainee Ziyau, reported the police arrested detainee from a
gathering in front of the Island Office in Thaa atoll Kin'bidhoo Island. Sister
of law of detainee reported the people of Kin'bidhoo Island had gathered in front
of the Island office calling for the resignation of the Island Chiefs of
Kin'bidhoo due to corruption.
more
Press Statement
Chief
Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Chaudhry suspended
Commonwealth Human
Rights Initiative concerned over judicial
independence in Pakistan
The suspension of the Chief Justice of Pakistan,
Iftikhar Chaudhry, by the executive and his subsequent treatment are to be
deeply regretted. CHRI considers this to be an unacceptable breach of judicial
independence. Justice Chaudhary is well known for his strong stance on human
rights and for delivering a number of decisions that have been in conflict with
government interests. Lawyers throughout the country have boycotted the courts
in response to the suspension.
more
Kin'bidhoo - Severely injured man brought to Male'
for treatment
Male' - 17:15:00 - Reports are coming that people
are converging near IGMH as a man name Ziya who was beaten up by Golhaa Force
yesterday during the attack in Kinbidhoo is being brought for treatment in Male'.
Sources close to family reported that he did gain consciousness last night in
Veymandoo but his condition did not get better hence the transfer to Male'.
more
Breaking News (update)
Library picture - Male' 2006
Golhaa Force attack protestors in Kin'bidhoo and
arrest dozens
Kinbidhoo - 00:00 - Latest reports from the island
say that Ziya was in fact transferred to Veymandoo and not Male'. His condition
is however quite serious. In addition to that, there are reports that most of
those arrested were also transferred to Veymandoo.
more
Minivan News Only
Five Frequencies For National Radio
Private broadcasters will face strong competition to secure FM frequencies after
authorities have announced only five national and eight Male' based signals will
be available. more
Minivan News Adhaalath
Speaks Out On Aniya Affair
The Adhaalath (Justice) Party has told Minivan there are others who have
blasphemed far more than Aishath Aniya. Aniya, the former MDP Deputy Secretary
General, wrote an article about the wearing of the veil in Minivan Daily
newspaper which proved so controversial she was forced to resign and go into
hiding. more
Golhaa Force attack protestors in Kin'bidhoo and
arrest dozens
Kinbidhoo - 22:15 - Two other men, Ibrahim Arif
and Ismail Haneef, were also severely injured during the attack by Golhaa Force.
Ziya, who is being transferred to Male' is originally from N. Velidhoo, sources
confirmed. His condition is serious.
Kinbidhoo - 22:00 - A young man known as Ziya is
being taken to Male' by Golhaa Force after he suffered severe head injury as a
result of torture. A family source said that they (Golhaa Force) handcuffed him
despite the fact he was unconscious. A total of 30 people have now been arrested
according to sources in the island.
Kinbidhoo - 18:00 - Sources in Kinbidhoo have
confirmed that a contingent of 75 Golhaas landed in the island around sunset in
order to crush the on-going protest there. People of the island have been
protesting since yesterday in front of the island office after alleged abuse of
funds and power by island chief, which went out of control in recent month.
According to one protestor, they just want the government to look into this
matter and stop this abuses, and that is why they began the protest.
more
Local News
Concern
over the health of Thinadhoo reformist Sodig
Male' - Ahmed Sodig, a senior MDP member from
Thinadhoo, who was sentenced in absentia couple of weeks ago for 6 months, was
brought from Maafushi Jail to Male' on Wednesday for medication sources
confirmed. "We saw him in IGMH hospital, handcuffed and visibly very weak," an
eyewitness confirmed, "but, he was in good spirit as was expressed by the
thumbs-up sign gesture," he added further.
more
Minivan News Private
Broadcasting? Yes But Not Much
Minister of Information, Mohamed Nasheed, officially legalised private
broadcasting in the Maldives at a press conference at the Majlis on Wednesday.
But broadcasts by private companies will be severely limited, as the
Telecommunications Authority is refusing to allow additional transmission masts
on Male'. more
Will Jordan's Blog 'Bloody
Foreigners' The man with the Orwellian job description has spoken
Yes, Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of
Information, has asked for the people's opinion on the presence of foreign
journalists in his country, the Maldives. Consulting the people - a democrat
indeed. I would like to humbly add a few more questions: Is the media nothing
but political activism? If so, why? Does it pursue a strong political agenda for
the nation? Do journalists design the way forward, or do politicians?
more
Student
protest in Addu over unfair dismissal of Muhibbuddeen School's supervisor
Hithadhoo - Students of Muhibbuddeen School in
Hithadhoo staged a massive protest today over the unfair dismissal of a much
loved school supervisor, Rushdie. He was dismissed after he got his pension,
that is 20 years of continued service.
more
Press Release
MDP
highlights lack of progress of the Roadmap
and call for DRP to return to negotiations
Today the MDP released an in-depth analysis
of the Roadmap for the Democratic Reform
Agenda, one year since the plan was unveiled
by the government. It concludes that little
substantive reform has been achieved and
that negotiations are urgently needed to
improve the speed and quality of reform.
more
MDP Paper 'Roadmap
for the democratic reform agenda' one year on
This paper critically analyses the implementation of the Roadmap for the
Democratic Reform Agenda one year since it was launched by the government on
27th March 2006.
more
reporters without boarders Canadian
journalist roughed up, local journalist held for
two hours
Patrick Browne, the Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation’s South Asia correspondent, and his
cameraman were manhandled by police during a
demonstration on 23 March marking the return of
opposition activist Mariya Ahmed Didi from
Washington, where she received the International
Woman of Courage award from secretary of state
Condoleezza Rice. Brown is in the Maldives to do
a report on President Abdul Gayoom.
more
Minivan News High
Court Rejects Abbas Appeal
The High Court has rejected Ahmed Abbas' appeal
against a conviction for "disobedience to
disorder" in what his lawyer Husnu al-Suood has
called "a sad day for justice".
more
Minivan News
Government Boycotts Special Majlis And DRP
Suspends Talks
The government closed off all formal avenues for
discussion with the opposition Monday.
Government members boycotted the Special Majlis,
failing to turn up again causing the session to
be abandoned. And the ruling Dhivehi
Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) suspended talks with
the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
more
Regional News LTTE
releases photographs of air mission
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have for
the first time released photos of their
Air-Tigers to media with Tamileelam Air Force (TAF)
first major mission. While reputed military
analysts speculated on the LTTE use of air-craft
limited to self-destroy missions, Tigers have
surprised them by using locally designed payload
carrying mechanisms, and automatic ammunition
discharge circuitry, and demonstrated capability
to fly night missions.
more
Announcement Minivan
Radio ceases Shortwave transmission
Minivan Radio has ceased broadcasting daily
programs on shortwave on the 24th of March 2007.
According to Minivan Radio, this is in view of
the prospect of a broadcasting license being
issued by the Ministry of Information, to be on
air very shortly via FM transmission. The Daily
Minivan Radio programmes will however continue
to be available on their website,
www.minivanradio.net.
BBC Breaking News 'Gun
battle' at Colombo airport
Reports from Sri Lanka say that the
international airport in the capital Colombo has
come under attack by suspected Tamil Tiger
rebels. Witnesses have reported hearing the
sound of gunfire and explosions.
more
News Update
Maldives
Dictator forced to release the passport of MDP Acting President
Zaki's passport was confiscated on 21st March by
immigration authorities upon his return from a lobbying trip to New Delhi and
Colombo. However, the very next day, the passport was returned to him after
local and international media reported the case.
more
Protest outside parliament as Majlis session
cancelled as Dictators members failed to turn up
The Special Majlis session that was due to be held
this morning to debate and vote on whether to lower the voting age from 21 to
18, was cancelled as 67 of members affiliated to the Maldives Dictator's so
called ruling party DRP failed to turn up. From a total of 113 members only 46
attended the session which did not constitute the quorum or the minimum number
required to validate the assembly.
more
Minivan News President
Prevents Special Majlis Agreeing Rules For Referendum
All but 1 of President Gayoom’s 29 cabinet and appointed members of the Special
Majlis failed to attend today’s session. Half of the DRP members also failed to
attend. This meant that only 48 members were present, well short of the 57
required for a quorum, and the session was cancelled.
more
The Bayesian Heresy The
paradox of Globalization
The islands of the Maldives may someday be completely underwater. The costs
these nations will pay do not appear on the global balance sheets. But they are
the ultimate subsidy."
more
Protest outside parliament as Majlis session
cancelled as Dictators members failed to turn up
The Special Majlis session that was due to be held
this morning to debate and vote on whether to lower the voting age from 21 to
18, was cancelled as 67 of members affiliated to the Maldives Dictator's so
called ruling party DRP failed to turn up. From a total of 113 members only 46
attended the session which did not constitute the quorum or the minimum number
required to validate the assembly.
more
Dictator's nephew Shamoon Hameed appointed
Director General 'just like that'
On 15th March, Maldives Dictator appointed his own
daughter to the post of Deputy Foreign Minister, totally compromising the
position of the Minister, Dr. Shaheed, according to political analysts. Dunya
has never worked for the government prior to this. This is her first government
appointment. Someone with her qualification would normally take more than 20
years to get promoted to such a post, but in this case, it happened 'just like
that'. more
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Spotlight
thrown on policing in South Asia, sharing the experience and plan fir reform
Fifty delegates from around South Asia will come together in New Delhi, India,
over the next two days to share experiences of policing in South Asia and plan
for police reform and accountability in the region, at a roundtable facilitated
by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). Delegates hail from
Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and from across police
organisations, government, human rights institutions, media and civil society.
The roundtable is the first time that the key players in policing from across
South Asia will have the opportunity meet and discuss and debate the challenges,
commonalities and future of policing in a South Asian context. The roundtable
will be opened by Mr Shivraj Patil, the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs in India.
Mr Patil is expected to emphasise the critical importance of police reform in
South Asia and to share his vision for the future of policing in India.
more
Male' - Mariya Didi of MDP, arrived Male'
yesterday after travelling to Washington to accept International Women of
Courage Award from the Secretary of State of the United States. She was awarded
the honour at a special ceremony in State Department on International Women's
Day, on March 7th. Hundreds of MDP members went to the airport to receive her
and went for a march on the streets of Male', to express their pride in her
achievement. more
Photo News
Rice
pudding feast in Addu to welcome their heroes
A huge rice
pudding feast was organised by MDP Addu members
to celebrate the home coming of the several
party members who had been arrested and jailed
by the Maldives Dictator last month. More than
15 members were arrested during the dictator's
visit to the island for taking part in a protest
calling for the dictators resignation. According
to sources, 3 of the 15 still remain in custody
and this event was organised to show them that
they are hailed as heroes for working hard to
bring an end to this regime.
more
Electric News This
lavish party is over the top
Topless dancers. Flowing champagne. UK Topshop
boss throws star- studded birthday bash at
Maldives resort. Upset local Muslim leaders say.
HE is famous for his tops. But ironically, the
boss of UK fashion chain Topshop has upset
Maldives politicians for throwing a birthday
bash there that featured a lack of tops. The BBC
reported that a leading Maldives opposition
group has criticised British tycoon Sir Philip
Green after he celebrated his 55th birthday in a
lavish party that featured celebrities like
singers Jennifer Lopez and George Michael, and
American Idol judge Simon Cowell.
more
Business News Computer
Plus introduce new credit scheme on a range of
desktop and laptop computers
A leading IT company has announced that they
will be offering a range of products for
customers on fulltime employment on long-term
credit. Computer Plus has its show room in
Haveeree Night, Chanbeylee Magu, Male'. Products
currently available include laptops and desktop
computers, of brands such as Acer, Dell and
other leading brands. The management said that
they hope that this scheme will allow more
people, particularly parents, to purchase
reliable systems for home use at affordable
prices.
more details
Herald Tribune Opposition
leader's passport confiscated in Maldives
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Immigration officials seized
the passport of the Maldives' main opposition
leader as he returned home after briefing
diplomats in India and Sri Lanka on the
country's political situation, his party said
Thursday. Ibrahim Hussein Zaki's passport was
confiscated as he arrived at Male airport on
Tuesday, the Maldivian Democratic Party said in
a statement.
more
Haveeru Original Article
Retrieved
Original article
removed on the orders of Maldives Dictator
President Gayoom cautions against "foreign
influences" in Maldives reform process
MALE, March 21 (HNS) -- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday said that the
reform process in Maldives should be kept strictly in the hands of Maldivians
and there should be no "foreign influences" affecting the process. Speaking to
the nation on the occasion of National Day, Gayoom said that while Maldives
remains appreciative of the contributions of friendly countries and
international aid agencies, he said that such aid should be welcomed only in
certain areas. more
Dictator Gayoom's visit to the southern island of
Thinadhoo was met with strong but peaceful protest by MDP activists today.
Though there are no reports of physical violence by security forces against
protestors, attempts were made to suppress dissent. Thinadho Due to restrictions
on placing banners in public places, MDP members erected over 450 banners on the
roofs of their own homes. However, to the dismay of many reformists, from 5.00am
this morning ‘Star Force' police and the armed forces broke into these homes to
remove the banners. They also boarded private fishing vessels to remove
anti-government banners. They justified their actions by stating that such
banners may be 'stressful' for the President if he saw them.
more
Haveeru Original Article
Retrieved
Original article
removed on the orders of Maldives Dictator
President Gayoom cautions against "foreign
influences" in Maldives reform process
MALE, March 21 (HNS) -- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday said that the
reform process in Maldives should be kept strictly in the hands of Maldivians
and there should be no "foreign influences" affecting the process. Speaking to
the nation on the occasion of National Day, Gayoom said that while Maldives
remains appreciative of the contributions of friendly countries and
international aid agencies, he said that such aid should be welcomed only in
certain areas. more
BBC News Maldives
anger over topless party
A leading opposition group in the Maldives has strongly criticised a lavish
party held there last week by one of Britain's top businessmen. The party was
attended by a host of celebrities, including the singers George Michael and
Jennifer Lopez. It allegedly featured topless dancers, a giant Buddha statue and
copious amounts of champagne. Critics say that such an event was incompatible
with the conservative Muslim culture of the islands.
more
News Review
Maldives
Dictator bans MDP Acting President from travelling abroad
The Acting President of the Maldivian Democratic
Party (MDP), Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki's passport was confiscated on Tuesday
night as he arrived from official visits to Sri Lanka and India. According to
MDP, Zaki had been returning from a mission to Colombo and New Delhi where he
briefed the diplomatic community about the negotiations with the DRP. He had
attempted to undertake the trip earlier in the month but was previously
prevented from leaving the country by immigration authorities.
more
Dictator
tells journalists to respect Islam while he goes about insulting it
Maldives Dictator Gayoom yesterday called on the Maldives media to respect Islam
and operate within the boundaries of Islam and national unity, according to
Haveeru Daily. The Dictator was addressing the whole nation from Gaafu Alifu
atoll Villingili island on the occasion of Maldives' National Day.
more
News Review
Is
Tim Fallon of Hill & Knowlton (UK) a Maldivian citizen now?
Maldives Dictator has a few cards in his hands now. He continuously plays these
cards to keep the people in the dark and to brainwash them, in order to sustain
his autocratic rule and continue living like an Arab oil-rich Sheikh, whilst the
majority of the population live is despair, without being able to make ends
meet. more
'SOCIETY' by Hilath Rasheed
Sri
Lankan expatriate community "deeply insulted" by Maldives President's "double
standards"
The largely visible Sri Lankan expatriate
community in Maldives is "deeply insulted" by the fact that President Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom, as leading authority in the country, allowed British billionaire
Sir Philip Green to host his 55th birthday celebrations where topless dancers
whiled away the hours in front of a huge statue and miniature statues of Lord
Buddha revered in Buddhism. more
BBC News Pressure
for Zimbabwe change
President Mugabe said Western critics of his
rule could "go hang" after they blamed him for
the mistreatment of opposition leader Morgan
Tsvangirai. Observers are now asking if this
week's events could lead to real change in
Zimbabwe. As BBC News is banned from reporting
inside Zimbabwe, Peter Biles has been following
developments from Johannesburg.
more
The Maldivian Devil Buddha
in the Maldives
If you are
rich enough, you can flaunt any laws of the
Maldives. Proven without a shadow of doubt by
the enormous Buddha that Philip Green had
requested for his birthday party. But if you are
a poor Hindu, you are not allowed to bring even
a minute statue of Ram, Shiva or any other Hindu
god for your own religious practice. No way. It
will be confiscated and thrown into the sea.
more
Presentation
Maldivian
student urges the international community to help us build a better nation at
Welsh Assembly in UK
Following is a presentation given by a Maldivian
Student in UK to the Welsh Assembly in Cardif to celebrate Commonwealth Day
(12th March), in which the student called for international community to help
Maldives build a better nation, through respect for rule of law and good
governance. In all 20 students representing their countries took part in this
special event, each giving 5 minute each to talk on their respective country.
Written copies were also given to all members of the assembly. The event took
place on 13th March.
more
Minivan News MDP
MPs Attend UK Conservative Party’s Spring Conference
The technical support agreement brokered by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
Communications Officer, Adam Cooper, with the UK's Conservative Party, has
resulted in two MDP MPs attending the UK Party's Spring Conference. Mariya Didi
and Ahmed Adil were the two MDP representatives selected to travel to the
conference, which took place in Nottingham this weekend.
more
Commonwealth Secretariat
"There is no shortage of legislation and declarations on
human rights. What is in crisis is Secretary." General Do
Mckinnon
Human rights
suffer from shortage of action, not legislation
- McKinnon
New UN Human Rights Council should not repeat
mistakes of its predecessor, Commonwealth
Secretary-General says. The new United Nations
Human Rights Council is a fitting tribute to
millions of human rights victims and defenders,
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has
said. But the decision to establish the new body
came with a clear message - that the time for
action had come, Mr McKinnon stated in his
address to the council's 4th session in Geneva,
Switzerland, on 14 March 2007.
more
BBC News Police
defend Zimbabwe travel ban
Zimbabwe police say four opposition officials
were prevented from going abroad at the weekend
as they may still be charged with inciting
violence. Two women officials wanted to go to
South Africa for specialist treatment, after
they said they had been beaten in police
custody. Scores of activists were arrested and
allegedly assaulted after police broke up an
opposition meeting last weekend.
more
Bet they told Ricky about the brutal regime of
Golhaabo! Ricky has his own Human Rights NGO,
www.rickymartinfoundation.org,
which says 'as advocates of children's rights, we aim to provide the most
vulnerable population a safer world through awareness campaigns, effective
policy making multisectorial alliance.' In any case, we have told Ricky Martin
about it, so let's see what happens to Golhaabo now.
more photos
Minivan News British
Business Magnate Exempted From Religious Law
Two huge statues of the Buddha erected on a beach at the exclusive Four Seasons
Resort, as part of celebrations for the 55th birthday of British billionaire
businessman, Phillip Green, have caused huge controversy in the Maldives. The
statues have openly flouted Maldivian religious law, placing Green, the owner of
well known UK high street brands including TopShop, and more accustomed to
grabbing UK business headlines, at the centre of a media storm in the Maldives.
more
BBC News Zimbabwe
stops activists leaving
Four leading Zimbabwean opposition members have been prevented from going abroad
and one of them was attacked at the airport, the opposition says. MP Nelson
Chamisa said he was beaten as he tried to leave. The government denied its
forces were involved. Earlier two women activists were stopped as they tried to
leave to get treatment for injuries sustained in police custody, their lawyer
said. more
First ever Buddhist temple in centuries
upsets Maldivians
This image of a temple in a Maldivian resort, which was exposed on DO last Friday,
have upset many Maldivians. The temple was built as
part of a grand ceremony on the request of billionaire Sir Phillip Green, who had apparently booked the whole island for his
55th Birthday party. Of course, there are some who will argue that there is
nothing wrong with it, but the common man has spoken and they do not feel
comfortable about it at all. Some are even scared that this might bring bad luck
to not just Baa Atoll but the whole of the Maldives.
more
Press Release
Friends
of Maldives (FOM) are concerned about the lack of respect shown by Billionaire
Philip Green's birthday celebrations in the Maldives
Friends of Maldives (FOM) are concerned about the
lack of respect shown by Billionaire Philip Green's birthday celebrations in the
Maldives.The birthday party of Phillip Green in the Maldives has brought about
fierce criticism in the Maldives. The islanders who are 100% Muslim are
complaining about a lack of respect following the building of a large Granite
Buddha in Landa Giraavaru Island Resort. The country has strict laws prohibiting
any form of religious icon or symbol from coming into the country. Maldivians
are claiming that double standards are operating for the elite tourist like
Green where the normal traveller coming into the Maldives is checked for any
religious icons or symbols which are confiscated. Small Buddhas and the like are
either broken by Customs officials on entry into the country or stored and
returned to the traveller at the end of their holiday. Maldivians workers being
forced to build the Buddha statue has raised further controversy.
more
BBC News AU
concern at Zimbabwe violence
The African Union has urged Zimbabwe to respect democratic principles and human
rights as the political crisis in the country deepens. In a statement, the
pan-African body also called for a "constructive dialogue" to resolve Zimbabwe's
issues. Western criticism of Robert Mugabe's government was heightened after the
main opposition leader was beaten. But until now African leaders have been
reluctant to publicly speak out against Mr Mugabe's regime.
more
Daily Mail Topshop
billionaire's 20m Pound 'garden party'
Topless dancers, a 35ft granite Buddha, 30
bottles of vintage bubbly for each guest, and
cabaret courtesy of George Michael on a private
island ringed by armed guards. Just another
common or garden birthday bash for Topshop's
Philip Green. The construction of the Buddha, in
particular, has troubled the locals, who are
devout Muslims. "The islanders are obviously
used to tourists, and Christianity as well, but
they are not used to such overt signs of
Buddhism and this has unsettled them," said one
local source. "The blocks of granite were
shipped over from somewhere and the locals had
to construct the Buddha with their own hands,
which they were not at all happy about, but they
didn't want to complain."
more
Bahabaru Spoof News President
Gayoom vows to bring Maldivian Dictator to
justice
In a move that is sure to further muddy up the
already cloudy waters flooding the political
landscape of the Maldives, incumbent President,
His Excellency President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
has today vowed to bring the Maldivian Dictator,
more commonly known as Golhaabo, to justice "no
matter what it takes!"
more
Local News
Addu
reformists - 3 still in detention
A number of reformists who were
arrested last month in connections
with the anti-Gayyoom protests there
during his visit were released on
Thursday evening. However, 3 of the
15 who were arrested still remain in
jail and their detention has been
extended by a further 15 days,
sources say. It is not yet clear
whether Golhabo will charge them but
many believe that this was just an
act of intimidation, nothing more.
"They want to discourage people from
expressing their views and standing
up for their rights. They want to
maintain the culture of submission
," said a leading Addu reformists.
They were arrested for allegedly
throwing stones at the dictator
during his visit to Addu.
BBC News Mugabe
threatens to expel envoys Zimbabwean President Robert
Mugabe has threatened to expel Western diplomats
whom he accuses of supporting the political opposition. The veteran leader said
diplomats who wanted to represent their countries had to "behave properly" or
they would be thrown out. His government has faced criticism after opposition
activists who tried to stage a rally in Harare were beaten.
more
Owner of Haveeru Zahir
Hussain's wife in serious condition after accident
Haveeru News
owner's wife found unconscious in her room and
hospitalised in Kandy - 'It was an accident'
family say
Male' - A family member has reported to DO that
the content of this report is false and very far
from the truth. "What happened was that she fell
and injured her head. She is bleeding internally
but she is stable," he said. "She did not have
nervous breakdown nor was she abandoned," he
further added. The caller also said that most
family members are now in Sri Lanka at her side
and she is expected to make a full recovery.
Earlier we reported that Mrs. Naila Kaleyfaanu,
the wife of Dr. Zahir Hussain, who is the owner
of Haveeru News and long term friend of Maldives
Dictator, is fighting for her life in Kandy
General Hospital. She was found this morning in
her rented room in Kandy. According to a family
friend, she had been quite depressed and lives
in a rented hill top room in Kandy on her own.
"It sounds like she had a nervous breakdown,"
said the friend, speaking to DO. (We have updated
the news with the recent information received.)
DO Exclusive UPDATE
Jennifer
Lopez arrives for Sir. Green's 'not-so-green' party in the Maldives
Male' - The famous J Lo has arrived to the Maldives today in a private jet
accompanied by her partner Mark Anthony for the possibly the birthday bash of
the year. The 'not-so-green' party of Sir Phillip Green's 55th Birthday is
hitting headlines across the world. Maldives has never seen anything like this,
this is definitely good for the industry. We could spend millions to market our
products but this is marketing at its best.
more
The Guardian Pack
your shorts, it's time for Sir Philip Green's birthday party
From toga parties with hired rock stars to delivering metre-high birthday cakes
to rival executives, Sir Philip Green is fond of displaying his wealth with a
flourish, but his latest grand gesture promises to be the most spectacular yet.
The billionaire Top Shop boss will celebrate his 55th birthday by flying 100 of
his closest friends in two private jets to the exclusive Maldives resort of
Soneva Fushi, an eco-spa on a private Indian Ocean island.
more
News Review
Dictator's
daughter appointed deputy foreign minister - Is nepotism part of the 'sweeping'
reform agenda?
It just doesn't get any better than this.
Yesterday, the aging Maldivian Dictator Gayyoom, popularly known as Golhaabo,
appointed his eldest daughter Dunya Maumoom to the post of Deputy Foreign
Minister. This is a decision that is bound to raise many eye browses for a
number of reasons. When we are talking about more accountability, good
governance and democracy, an act such as this by the world record holder for
nepotism, is a clear statement from the dictator that he could not give a toss
about what people really want.
more
Minivan News Will
Judicial Reform Happen?
Two weeks ago the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and
Lawyers, Leandro Despouy, came to the Maldives, assessed the state of the
judiciary, and made eight preliminary recommendations to the Maldivian
Government. Despouy is under the impression that “all sectors of Maldivian
society are conscious of the need for reform” – but will that professed
acknowledgement translate into judicial reform actually taking place?
more
BBC News Mugabe
tells critics to 'go hang'
Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe has said
Western critics of his rule can "go hang", in response to accusations of
mistreatment of opposition leaders. Mr Mugabe said the opposition Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) had triggered violence which led to arrests and alleged
beatings of its leaders. Western countries are considering extending sanctions
against Zimbabwean officials in response to the violence. MDC leader Morgan
Tsvangirai is still in hospital.
more
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The
Dream
By the strength of our
common endeavour, to achieve what we cannot do alone, to grant each of
us the power to realize our full potential, and the means to create for
this and future generations a community in which power, wealth and
opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the respect
we receive reflect the duties we owe, so that freed from the tyranny of
poverty, ignorance and fear, we could live together in spirit of
solidarity tolerance and respect.
[Clause 4 - Labour
Party - UK]
Quotes
"Verily never will God change
the condition of a people until they change it themselves."
Holy Qur'an 13:11
The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good
men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke
Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the
power to make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
The past
half-century provides ample proof that democracy is more
than just another form of government; it is also a
powerful generator of international security,
prosperity, and peace. — Madeleine K. Albright, NDI
Chairman
FREE
ABBAS NOW!
Ahmed Abbas, is one of
the most prominent
pro-democracy
campaigners in the
Maldives. An architect
by profession, Abbas is
also one of the most
famous artists in the
country. His political
cartoons have helped
many Maldivians
breakaway from the
shackles of oppression
and fear. His
often witty but
expressive art had
allowed them to stand up
for their rights. He has
been in and out of
Golhaabo's torture
chambers since
early 90's and most
recently, Abbas was
sentenced in Absentia
for 6 months in jail on
1st November, without
his knowledge, despite
the fact that he lives
in the capital Male' and
has been banned from
travelling abroad by the
regime. His detention in
Dhoonidhoo Prison is
nothing but a desperate
revenge act by an ailing
dictator, who has not
the slightest incline
about civilization .
Fadaboe Golhaabo!
Whether you like it or
not, Abbas will be free
in no time!
Click here to see more
of Abbas's great
cartoons
Channel 4
Special TV Report Crackdown
in the Maldives
The authorities in the Maldives have been cracking down
on political dissent. The Maldives have become a holiday destination for the
well heeled. But away from the eyes of tourists, the government there has been
cracking down on political dissent. Watch the report
watch the report on Channel 4 site
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Some comments and articles maybe edited for clarity. Please use decent
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Freedom of expression : Constitution of the Maldives - Chapter II -
Clause 25. Every citizen shall have the freedom to express his conscience and
thoughts orally or in writing or by other means, unless prohibited
by law in the interest of protecting the sovereignty of the
Maldives, of maintaining public order and of protecting the basic
tenets of Islam.
Dhivehi Observer is an independent online news service on matters
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[All servers merged on 27th July 2004]
-
Copyright 2006-
Dhivehi Observer
MDP
renews calls for the resignation of Commissioner Adam Zahir after recent spate
of police violence 
Ihavandhoo
Protest going strong 
Milad
an-Nabi - Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
ކަރާޝިބު
މުރާޖައާ
Only
Five Frequencies For National Radio
Adhaalath
Speaks Out On Aniya Affair
Concern
over the health of Thinadhoo reformist Sodig
Private
Broadcasting? Yes But Not Much
'Bloody
Foreigners' The man with the Orwellian job description has spoken 
(cSwCcawmcnurwhwa 21)
WyiretcsWlcKia
urIvwh
- udIxwr utwlcaih 
Student
protest in Addu over unfair dismissal of Muhibbuddeen School's supervisor
MDP
highlights lack of progress of the Roadmap
and call for DRP to return to negotiations
Canadian
journalist roughed up, local journalist held for
two hours
High
Court Rejects Abbas Appeal
LTTE
releases photographs of air mission
WawjWrum
OTof urwbwK 
WawjWrum
OTof urwbwK 
urIvwh
'Gun
battle' at Colombo airport
President
Prevents Special Majlis Agreeing Rules For Referendum
The
paradox of Globalization
WawjWrum urwbwK 
urIvwh 
WawjWrum urwbwK 
Dictator's nephew Shamoon Hameed appointed
Director General 'just like that'
Spotlight
thrown on policing in South Asia, sharing the experience and plan fir reform
WawjWrum
ubixWrwk
clwairOTiDea 
ނޫސް
ބަޔާން
MDP
welcomes Mariya home 
Rice
pudding feast in Addu to welcome their heroes
This
lavish party is over the top
Computer
Plus introduce new credit scheme on a range of
desktop and laptop computers
ޚިޔާލް ކޮލަމް
WawjWrum
urwbwK 
WawjWrum
urwbwK
Maldives
anger over topless party 
urwbwK Udwvuh 07.jpg)
Dictator
tells journalists to respect Islam while he goes about insulting it
Is
Tim Fallon of Hill & Knowlton (UK) a Maldivian citizen now?
Sri
Lankan expatriate community "deeply insulted" by Maldives President's "double
standards"
Pressure
for Zimbabwe change
WawjWrum
cnuSomcswb ihevid 
Buddha
in the Maldives
Maldivian
student urges the international community to help us build a better nation at
Welsh Assembly in UK 
MDP
MPs Attend UK Conservative Party’s Spring Conference
Police
defend Zimbabwe travel ban
cmwlok clWyiK
WawjWrum urwbwK 
cmwtUs egcnugifWnum 
Ricky Martin feels relaxed amongst Maldivians
Zimbabwe
stops activists leaving 
WawjWrum WdcaubuDOl cmWrcmWr 
AU
concern at Zimbabwe violence
WawjWrum
WdcaubuDOl cmWrcmWr 
urIvwh
Topshop
billionaire's 20m Pound 'garden party'
President
Gayoom vows to bring Maldivian Dictator to
justice
ޕޮރޮޕެގެންޑާ
ވިލަރެސް މުރާޖައާ
Jennifer
Lopez arrives for Sir. Green's 'not-so-green' party in the Maldives
Pack
your shorts, it's time for Sir Philip Green's birthday party
Dictator's
daughter appointed deputy foreign minister - Is nepotism part of the 'sweeping'
reform agenda? 
Will
Judicial Reform Happen?
(18+)
WawjWrum urwbwK
ވީޑިއޯ ޚަބަރު 
cnWywb
csUn WriaWd.dg IpIDcmea 
FREE
ABBAS NOW!
