Abdulla Yameen, the former President of Maldives, has invited WION to visit the country and do an in-person interview with him. The invitation comes after WION's recent interview with Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. During the interview, the Maldivian Foreign Minister had asserted that the India Out campaign in Maldives was led by Yameen and that the current government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, had nothing to do with it. Watch in for more details!

Abdulla Khaleel To WION: Yameen Was Behind 'India Out' Campaign | World News | Exclusive Interview

After winning his party's presidential runoff, the imprisoned former president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, was moved from prison to house arrest on Sunday.

Maldives: Former President Yameen transferred from prison to house arrest

The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company.

The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges.

Yameen lost power in 2018. He was sentenced to five years in jail and was fined USD 5 million in 2019 for embezzling $1 million in state funds. At the time, the prosecution had said that the funds were acquired through the lease of resort development rights.&nbsp;

After his sentencing, Yameen was shifted to house arrest in 2020 but was freed months later.

Since his release, Yameen, the half-brother of former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has returned to active politics with a campaign against Indian influence in Maldives, raising concerns in New Delhi.

Yameen is the declared presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of the Maldives for an election due in 2023.

Situated close to strategic shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a focal point for competition between India and China over influence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company.

The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges. Yameen lost power in 2018. He was sentenced to five years in jail and was fined USD 5 million in 2019 for embezzling $1 million in state funds. At the time, the prosecution had said that the funds were acquired through the lease of resort development rights. After his sentencing, Yameen was shifted to house arrest in 2020 but was freed months later. Since his release, Yameen, the half-brother of former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has returned to active politics with a campaign against Indian influence in Maldives, raising concerns in New Delhi. Yameen is the declared presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of the Maldives for an election due in 2023. Situated close to strategic shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a focal point for competition between India and China over influence in the region. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former Maldives president Yameen found guilty of corruption

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue".

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed, who is in Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2022, said, "People of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign...Indian families, doctors, teachers, accountants— all are contributing to our economic development."

Maldives President Solih had recently issued a decree banning the anti-India protests, calling it a threat to national security.

Police authorities had removed "India out' banners from the residence of Yameen, who is the leader of opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Slamming the Chinese investment policies that have resulted in huge debts, Nasheed, who is also the former president, said, "China has intentionally inflated the price of the project. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad."

He added, "It was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative."

His visit to India comes as part of on-going high-level engagement. Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had visited the country.&nbsp;

Nasheed also did not rule out standing for the presidential elections next year.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India-Maldives relations?

Mohamed Nasheed: India and Maldives relations improved drastically since we came into the government. We have an India first policy, which is exactly the same manner as India's foreign policy in the neighbourhood. There is a credit line for projects which India is assisting us, and the government is submitting very good projects and they are all going very nicely—the cultural exchanges, the capacity building work, the students' exchanges and the university exchanges—everything is happening and we have a very bright future, both of our countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: There have been certain segments indulging in anti-India campaigns and you have taken a strong position on that. Will it help to curtail these campaigns? And who do you think is responsible for these campaigns.

Mohamed Nasheed: You know, people of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign, I am aware of that. I am a politician and by saying this I will get more vote. Because we eat the same food, we watch the same films, we read the same books, we look the same, and why would any sane Maldivian ask an Indian to leave. There are Indian families, doctors, teachers, and accountants, who are contributing to our economic development. For instance, the State Bank of India has single-handedly invested in our tourism industry for the last 50 years. Look at the results, it has become a billion-dollar industry now. The businessmen appreciate this, the people appreciate this. I really do not think it is a popular movement at all.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Your govt has taken actions against this campaign, more actions expected? Also, if you can talk about the bill against such campaigns.

Mohamed Nasheed: We suggested that there should be a legislation and a penal code must, as there is one on nuisance and harmony. Freedom of expression is not limitless, it cannot engage, it cannot be used for hate crimes, it cannot be used to create discord, it cannot be used to create rifts, it cannot be used for increasing xenophobia. So, we thought that there can be a legislation to stop people from creating anger, rifts, hate against our neighbours.

Quran is very clear, that you should love your neighbour. So, legislation must also come and explain that you should love your neighbour. If you have a problem with a neighbour, you can come here, this country is a democratic country, it has its intuitions. Even if Yameen has an issue, he should have approached the court here. It’s just a fabricated issue and he is fuelling it.

&nbsp;

WION: So, is the anti-India campaign an election ploy or a foreign hand?

Mohamed Nasheed: It can't be an election ploy because people don't want it. I am sure the authorities are aware of the funding for all the trips they make, for the campaigns and shirts.

&nbsp;

WION: Are you pointing out at China?

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp; Well, before I say that, police must open up an investigation.

&nbsp;

WION: Coming to other aspects of the relationship, we have seen the development projects…How do you see they (China) helping in the development of the country

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, you can't equate development to concrete. Ex-president Yameen thought development is concrete and invited Chinese, and as a result this huge debt was created. Now, if you look at it, debt has no relations to the assets created. The asset value is not a third of the debt. China has intentionally inflated the price of the project, so the business plan will fail.

You will never get a yield to pay back the debt from these assets and then you will default and they ask for equity. With equity you lose land, and with land you lose sovereignty. It is a very grave issue.

Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad. Whatever India gave to us, it was very transparent, it went through proper tendering process, and therefore we get the proper price. You have to have the proper price.

When we were in the government in 2010, I asked GMR for a quotation on bridge and they, I remember, gave a quote of US $76 million, it is now built for $350 million. The housing projects. A luxury apartment in Male can be built for more 900 -1000 Rufiyaa square feet. These houses are 1900 Rufiyaa square feet. They are supposed to be low income.

Therefore, the rent will have to be 14000-15000 but people can't afford that. So that the govt can't afford the rent. Now the government is subsiding the rest. The flats will not give the money to pay back the loan. The actual cost must be found and that is the money we have to pay. These small grant projects, the high impact projects, the projects that have a better impact on our livelihood, they are far more important.

I will give an example. Recently, Indian minister Jaishankar came to Male and inaugurated two projects. One was $50 to $60 million dollar policy academy and another was a $500,000 million drug hospital, and detoxication centre. The whole community was there with Jaishankar.

India is giving a lot of small grants and I don't think we are looking for big concrete. We need nature-based adaptions, and hybrid adaption, and these things can be done through smaller interventions than huge big loans.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: So, you are essentially saying India was right by staying away from the Chinese connectivity projects and the debt crisis it has created as you gave the example of Sri Lanka

Mohamed Nasheed: Of course. India was right for not taking part in that, but India was never taking part in someone else's projects. Jaishankar was saying that they do a self-assessment, and their foreign policy is based on their self-assessment. Not based on what someone else is doing and I think, it was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative.

&nbsp;

WION: Your country is at the heart of the Indian Ocean. How do you assess the security situation in the region and the practical cooperation like the Colombo Security Conclave that can be taken forward?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, in 2011, we started all the National Security Advisors meetings every year. We also have a lot of exercise training, and joint exercises with our coast guards and the Indian navy and Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. I think these programmes are ongoing and hopefully, they will find a structure in itself which would assist India in our safety and security.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Your country is gearing up for the presidential elections. Will you stand for elections? And there seems to be infighting within your party.

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our party does these internal elections, and they have a primary to decide that. If you, for instance, you look at the United States, they shout at each other in their own party. That is how they get a person. Then this person goes to the nation. It’s upon our members to decide who they want to bring out as their presidential candidate. I think I have always said that I will take part in the primary, but I am hopeful I will win.

&nbsp;

WION: So, you do not rule out that you will stand for elections next year.

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp; I don’t want to rule out. If people, our party members decide that I will be contesting, I will do that. I will do everything that will benefit our party and our country. 
&nbsp;

WION: Do you have any plans to change the political structure of the country from a presidential to a parliamentary form of the system?

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp;Well, I have always thought that a parliamentary system is far appropriate for the small countries like Maldives, because there is more security. Right now, if a parliamentarian wants to question the minister, we have to give a 4-day notice and by the time 14 days are up, the question gets expired. There is more engagement, more interaction, there is more scrutiny in a parliamentary system, especially for a small country.

&nbsp;

WION: There was an attack on you, who was responsible for it?

Mohamed Nasheed: We still have not found. Authorities have found four people who had their hands on it. But who funded it, who schemed it, from where did they get the technology for bomb—there are thousands of question that still need to be answered, and I hope and believe the government will do it. 
&nbsp;

WION: But any indication who did it? Why will someone target you?

Mohamed Nasheed: I don't know. The police must tell me, the courts must decide.

&nbsp;

WION: You also pointed out to rise of extremism, what has been the worrisome factor?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our youth are getting alienated. Dropout rates are increasing, employment among youth is increasing, drug is increasing and all these together push you to these unnecessary actions. We must take care and try to build a better society that is able to assist our people. I think, de-radicalisation programmes and also employment and training for the young is very important.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: We have two regional groupings, SAARC and BIMSTEC. Do you see Maldives becoming part of the BIMSTEC grouping?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, SAARC is not working. Whatever is said and done, we need to work together. We need the Indian Ocean countries, Indian Ocean Rim countries to work together, and for that, we need another platform.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Would you like to be part of the BIMSTEC?

Mohamed Nasheed: We need another platform; I would not mind to that. We need a platform where we can cooperate and where we can collectively decide on things. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What is your opinion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how has it impacted your country in terms of inflation?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, actually I really don't want to talk about other countries’ business, but every country must respect sovereignty. War should never be a solution. I hope Russia will be able to the ceasefire, start talking and solve these issues amicably. This has an impact on all of us, tourist arrival, food price, energy price, everything is going up. It will be far worse if the war spreads to other European countries. There are warmongering countries, and when they do fight, my God, they do fight. We have seen two world wars during the last century. And we don't want to see another one. Why do u want to kill so many people&nbsp;that is in no one's interest? I hope they will stop.&nbsp;

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue".

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue". Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed, who is in Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2022, said, "People of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign...Indian families, doctors, teachers, accountants— all are contributing to our economic development." Maldives President Solih had recently issued a decree banning the anti-India protests, calling it a threat to national security. Police authorities had removed "India out' banners from the residence of Yameen, who is the leader of opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Slamming the Chinese investment policies that have resulted in huge debts, Nasheed, who is also the former president, said, "China has intentionally inflated the price of the project. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad." He added, "It was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative." His visit to India comes as part of on-going high-level engagement. Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had visited the country. Nasheed also did not rule out standing for the presidential elections next year. WION: How do you see India-Maldives relations? Mohamed Nasheed: India and Maldives relations improved drastically since we came into the government. We have an India first policy, which is exactly the same manner as India's foreign policy in the neighbourhood. There is a credit line for projects which India is assisting us, and the government is submitting very good projects and they are all going very nicely—the cultural exchanges, the capacity building work, the students' exchanges and the university exchanges—everything is happening and we have a very bright future, both of our countries. WION: There have been certain segments indulging in anti-India campaigns and you have taken a strong position on that. Will it help to curtail these campaigns? And who do you think is responsible for these campaigns. Mohamed Nasheed: You know, people of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign, I am aware of that. I am a politician and by saying this I will get more vote. Because we eat the same food, we watch the same films, we read the same books, we look the same, and why would any sane Maldivian ask an Indian to leave. There are Indian families, doctors, teachers, and accountants, who are contributing to our economic development. For instance, the State Bank of India has single-handedly invested in our tourism industry for the last 50 years. Look at the results, it has become a billion-dollar industry now. The businessmen appreciate this, the people appreciate this. I really do not think it is a popular movement at all. WION: Your govt has taken actions against this campaign, more actions expected? Also, if you can talk about the bill against such campaigns. Mohamed Nasheed: We suggested that there should be a legislation and a penal code must, as there is one on nuisance and harmony. Freedom of expression is not limitless, it cannot engage, it cannot be used for hate crimes, it cannot be used to create discord, it cannot be used to create rifts, it cannot be used for increasing xenophobia. So, we thought that there can be a legislation to stop people from creating anger, rifts, hate against our neighbours. Quran is very clear, that you should love your neighbour. So, legislation must also come and explain that you should love your neighbour. If you have a problem with a neighbour, you can come here, this country is a democratic country, it has its intuitions. Even if Yameen has an issue, he should have approached the court here. It’s just a fabricated issue and he is fuelling it. WION: So, is the anti-India campaign an election ploy or a foreign hand? Mohamed Nasheed: It can't be an election ploy because people don't want it. I am sure the authorities are aware of the funding for all the trips they make, for the campaigns and shirts. WION: Are you pointing out at China? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, before I say that, police must open up an investigation. WION: Coming to other aspects of the relationship, we have seen the development projects…How do you see they (China) helping in the development of the country Mohamed Nasheed: Well, you can't equate development to concrete. Ex-president Yameen thought development is concrete and invited Chinese, and as a result this huge debt was created. Now, if you look at it, debt has no relations to the assets created. The asset value is not a third of the debt. China has intentionally inflated the price of the project, so the business plan will fail. You will never get a yield to pay back the debt from these assets and then you will default and they ask for equity. With equity you lose land, and with land you lose sovereignty. It is a very grave issue. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad. Whatever India gave to us, it was very transparent, it went through proper tendering process, and therefore we get the proper price. You have to have the proper price. When we were in the government in 2010, I asked GMR for a quotation on bridge and they, I remember, gave a quote of US $76 million, it is now built for $350 million. The housing projects. A luxury apartment in Male can be built for more 900 -1000 Rufiyaa square feet. These houses are 1900 Rufiyaa square feet. They are supposed to be low income. Therefore, the rent will have to be 14000-15000 but people can't afford that. So that the govt can't afford the rent. Now the government is subsiding the rest. The flats will not give the money to pay back the loan. The actual cost must be found and that is the money we have to pay. These small grant projects, the high impact projects, the projects that have a better impact on our livelihood, they are far more important. I will give an example. Recently, Indian minister Jaishankar came to Male and inaugurated two projects. One was $50 to $60 million dollar policy academy and another was a $500,000 million drug hospital, and detoxication centre. The whole community was there with Jaishankar. India is giving a lot of small grants and I don't think we are looking for big concrete. We need nature-based adaptions, and hybrid adaption, and these things can be done through smaller interventions than huge big loans. WION: So, you are essentially saying India was right by staying away from the Chinese connectivity projects and the debt crisis it has created as you gave the example of Sri Lanka Mohamed Nasheed: Of course. India was right for not taking part in that, but India was never taking part in someone else's projects. Jaishankar was saying that they do a self-assessment, and their foreign policy is based on their self-assessment. Not based on what someone else is doing and I think, it was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative. WION: Your country is at the heart of the Indian Ocean. How do you assess the security situation in the region and the practical cooperation like the Colombo Security Conclave that can be taken forward? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, in 2011, we started all the National Security Advisors meetings every year. We also have a lot of exercise training, and joint exercises with our coast guards and the Indian navy and Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. I think these programmes are ongoing and hopefully, they will find a structure in itself which would assist India in our safety and security. WION: Your country is gearing up for the presidential elections. Will you stand for elections? And there seems to be infighting within your party. Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our party does these internal elections, and they have a primary to decide that. If you, for instance, you look at the United States, they shout at each other in their own party. That is how they get a person. Then this person goes to the nation. It’s upon our members to decide who they want to bring out as their presidential candidate. I think I have always said that I will take part in the primary, but I am hopeful I will win. WION: So, you do not rule out that you will stand for elections next year. Mohamed Nasheed: I don’t want to rule out. If people, our party members decide that I will be contesting, I will do that. I will do everything that will benefit our party and our country. WION: Do you have any plans to change the political structure of the country from a presidential to a parliamentary form of the system? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, I have always thought that a parliamentary system is far appropriate for the small countries like Maldives, because there is more security. Right now, if a parliamentarian wants to question the minister, we have to give a 4-day notice and by the time 14 days are up, the question gets expired. There is more engagement, more interaction, there is more scrutiny in a parliamentary system, especially for a small country. WION: There was an attack on you, who was responsible for it? Mohamed Nasheed: We still have not found. Authorities have found four people who had their hands on it. But who funded it, who schemed it, from where did they get the technology for bomb—there are thousands of question that still need to be answered, and I hope and believe the government will do it. WION: But any indication who did it? Why will someone target you? Mohamed Nasheed: I don't know. The police must tell me, the courts must decide. WION: You also pointed out to rise of extremism, what has been the worrisome factor? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our youth are getting alienated. Dropout rates are increasing, employment among youth is increasing, drug is increasing and all these together push you to these unnecessary actions. We must take care and try to build a better society that is able to assist our people. I think, de-radicalisation programmes and also employment and training for the young is very important. WION: We have two regional groupings, SAARC and BIMSTEC. Do you see Maldives becoming part of the BIMSTEC grouping? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, SAARC is not working. Whatever is said and done, we need to work together. We need the Indian Ocean countries, Indian Ocean Rim countries to work together, and for that, we need another platform. WION: Would you like to be part of the BIMSTEC? Mohamed Nasheed: We need another platform; I would not mind to that. We need a platform where we can cooperate and where we can collectively decide on things. WION: What is your opinion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how has it impacted your country in terms of inflation? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, actually I really don't want to talk about other countries’ business, but every country must respect sovereignty. War should never be a solution. I hope Russia will be able to the ceasefire, start talking and solve these issues amicably. This has an impact on all of us, tourist arrival, food price, energy price, everything is going up. It will be far worse if the war spreads to other European countries. There are warmongering countries, and when they do fight, my God, they do fight. We have seen two world wars during the last century. And we don't want to see another one. Why do u want to kill so many people that is in no one's interest? I hope they will stop.

Maldives' Nasheed blames Yameen for anti-India sentiment; calls joining China's BRI a mistake

India-Maldives ties have seen a comeback with New Delhi reaching out to the Indian Ocean island country and the latter in turn reaffirming India first policy. But jog back to two years, and the situation was of major concern.

On February 05, 2018, the then President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen, whose closeness with China was well known had declared a state of nation-wide emergency after the Supreme Court overturned criminal convictions against nine major opposition figures. Then the purge started, with rounding up of opposition figures. Those put behind bars included Yameen’s own half-brother former illustrious President of the country, Maumoon Gayoom.

Next 10 months were all about reversing the freedoms in the country and, in terms of foreign policy, demolishing the Maldives-India relationship. Tearing the ‘India First’ policy, Yameen attempted to de-couple India from the Maldives, in all spheres.&nbsp;

Recalling Yameen’s tenure, it was undoubtedly the lowest point in the Maldives-India bilateral relationship. China had made inroads into almost all aspects of Maldivian government, tourism and economy, both private and public sectors.&nbsp;

The Maldives China Free Trade Agreement was rammed through the Parliament or People's Majlis became the symbol of the larger ties between Yameen administration and China. Interestingly, Yameen’s government left no records of the plethora of illegal deals undertaken with shady front companies of Beijing.&nbsp;

Yameen had also broken Maldives’ ties with the Commonwealth, distanced the country from its major donors USA, Australia, Japan and the EU. &nbsp;What is perhaps unknown is the increase in drug flow through the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Pakistani dhows spiking during this period. His administration had also suspended established joint protocols for keeping the EEZ secure from illicit activities.

Yameen era from 2013 to 2018 witnessed the rise of radicalised elements within Maldivian society as street gangs and ultra-religious elements held sway over society, a cause of worry given the geo-strategic location of the country.&nbsp;

The elections saw new dispensation led by President Ibu Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party taking charge in November 2018. Indian Prime minister was present at his oath-taking ceremony, taking a six-hour flight to capital Malé. Solih in his first overseas visit paid a state visit to India in December of 2018 during which India announced $1.4 billion financial assistance package.&nbsp;

Last year Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited the country, the first country he visited during his 2nd terms as PM. During the visit, he addressed the Parliament of the country and talked about a number of things including connectivity. He announced a ferry service that will connect India with the Maldives, and the project was implemented just last month.&nbsp;

The cargo ferry from Kochi to Kulhudhufushi/ Malé will increase economic activity in Northern Maldives. The vessel which is used for ferry service can carry 380 TEUs and 3000 MT on bulk cargo and has refrigerated containers. The Cargo service will open the large India market for Tuna exporters of Maldives and will further provide a springboard to Europe through Cochin and Tuticorin ports. Cochin Port has weekly connectivity to Europe through a 6500 TEU vessel.

New Delhi is currently engaged in a number of projects in the country with "no strings attached". This encompasses sectors like Tourism, community development, education, airport development, and in fact heritage---renovation of the ancient coral mosque. The Indian model of international developmental assistance is unique and based on ‘need-based, high impact’ projects for the local community.

India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale.

Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi which is the largest infrastructure project in the country.

The Maldivian economy, highly dependent on tourism from EU, Russia and India, has been hugely impacted by the COVID Crisis. For this India announced $250 million budgetary support last month, which was lauded by Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid during his United Nations General Assembly speech on Tuesday.

He said,"I thank all our partners who have generously extended financial, material and technical support during this crisis, even when they themselves are going through challenging times."

Adding, "One such example is India. The recent budget support of 250 million US dollars, was the single largest financial assistance from a donor during this pandemic."

India has been the first responder to all emergencies in the Maldives, be it the 1988 attempted coup d’état, 2004 tsunami, 2014 water crisis, or 2020 covid crisis.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has reached out to the Maldives in a number of ways including by sending a rapid response team of doctors and specialists, a consignment of 5.5 tons of essential medicines, followed by more consignments &amp; 580 tons of food aid including foodgrains, onions, etc in May. Also, approximately 500 Maldivians in 8 batches of Maldivian patients have travelled to India in the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, new Solih administration was quick to reach out to the world. Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth in 2020 with India’s support, bilateral relations with Japan, Australia and the EU were restored and the ‘India First’ policy was reinstated. &nbsp;The country also finalized a long-pending defence cooperation agreement with the USA.

But there seems to be anxiousness about it in Beijing, given the commentary by Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times. From labelling Indian assistance to the Maldives as ‘politically motivated’, to terming the Maldives-US defence agreement as a ‘threat to India’, China's angst is clearly reflected in the malicious columns of the Global Times.&nbsp;

India-Maldives ties have seen a comeback with New Delhi reaching out to the Indian Ocean island country and the latter in turn reaffirming India first policy. But jog back to two years, and the situation was of major concern.

India-Maldives ties have seen a comeback with New Delhi reaching out to the Indian Ocean island country and the latter in turn reaffirming India first policy. But jog back to two years, and the situation was of major concern. On February 05, 2018, the then President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen, whose closeness with China was well known had declared a state of nation-wide emergency after the Supreme Court overturned criminal convictions against nine major opposition figures. Then the purge started, with rounding up of opposition figures. Those put behind bars included Yameen’s own half-brother former illustrious President of the country, Maumoon Gayoom. Next 10 months were all about reversing the freedoms in the country and, in terms of foreign policy, demolishing the Maldives-India relationship. Tearing the ‘India First’ policy, Yameen attempted to de-couple India from the Maldives, in all spheres. Recalling Yameen’s tenure, it was undoubtedly the lowest point in the Maldives-India bilateral relationship. China had made inroads into almost all aspects of Maldivian government, tourism and economy, both private and public sectors. The Maldives China Free Trade Agreement was rammed through the Parliament or People's Majlis became the symbol of the larger ties between Yameen administration and China. Interestingly, Yameen’s government left no records of the plethora of illegal deals undertaken with shady front companies of Beijing. Yameen had also broken Maldives’ ties with the Commonwealth, distanced the country from its major donors USA, Australia, Japan and the EU. What is perhaps unknown is the increase in drug flow through the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Pakistani dhows spiking during this period. His administration had also suspended established joint protocols for keeping the EEZ secure from illicit activities. Yameen era from 2013 to 2018 witnessed the rise of radicalised elements within Maldivian society as street gangs and ultra-religious elements held sway over society, a cause of worry given the geo-strategic location of the country. The elections saw new dispensation led by President Ibu Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party taking charge in November 2018. Indian Prime minister was present at his oath-taking ceremony, taking a six-hour flight to capital Malé. Solih in his first overseas visit paid a state visit to India in December of 2018 during which India announced $1.4 billion financial assistance package. Last year Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited the country, the first country he visited during his 2nd terms as PM. During the visit, he addressed the Parliament of the country and talked about a number of things including connectivity. He announced a ferry service that will connect India with the Maldives, and the project was implemented just last month. The cargo ferry from Kochi to Kulhudhufushi/ Malé will increase economic activity in Northern Maldives. The vessel which is used for ferry service can carry 380 TEUs and 3000 MT on bulk cargo and has refrigerated containers. The Cargo service will open the large India market for Tuna exporters of Maldives and will further provide a springboard to Europe through Cochin and Tuticorin ports. Cochin Port has weekly connectivity to Europe through a 6500 TEU vessel. New Delhi is currently engaged in a number of projects in the country with "no strings attached". This encompasses sectors like Tourism, community development, education, airport development, and in fact heritage---renovation of the ancient coral mosque. The Indian model of international developmental assistance is unique and based on ‘need-based, high impact’ projects for the local community. India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale. Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi which is the largest infrastructure project in the country. The Maldivian economy, highly dependent on tourism from EU, Russia and India, has been hugely impacted by the COVID Crisis. For this India announced $250 million budgetary support last month, which was lauded by Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid during his United Nations General Assembly speech on Tuesday. He said,"I thank all our partners who have generously extended financial, material and technical support during this crisis, even when they themselves are going through challenging times." Adding, "One such example is India. The recent budget support of 250 million US dollars, was the single largest financial assistance from a donor during this pandemic." India has been the first responder to all emergencies in the Maldives, be it the 1988 attempted coup d’état, 2004 tsunami, 2014 water crisis, or 2020 covid crisis. Amidst the COVID crisis, India has reached out to the Maldives in a number of ways including by sending a rapid response team of doctors and specialists, a consignment of 5.5 tons of essential medicines, followed by more consignments & 580 tons of food aid including foodgrains, onions, etc in May. Also, approximately 500 Maldivians in 8 batches of Maldivian patients have travelled to India in the past few weeks. Meanwhile, new Solih administration was quick to reach out to the world. Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth in 2020 with India’s support, bilateral relations with Japan, Australia and the EU were restored and the ‘India First’ policy was reinstated. The country also finalized a long-pending defence cooperation agreement with the USA. But there seems to be anxiousness about it in Beijing, given the commentary by Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times. From labelling Indian assistance to the Maldives as ‘politically motivated’, to terming the Maldives-US defence agreement as a ‘threat to India’, China's angst is clearly reflected in the malicious columns of the Global Times.

Long shadow of China recede over Maldives as Yameen's legacy becomes distant past

A court in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-police-investigate-ex-president-yameen-over-suspected-illicit-deals-184006">Maldives</a> on Thursday ordered the release of former president<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-former-president-abdulla-yameens-top-aide-charged-with-embezzlement-197958"> Abdulla Yameen</a>, saying there was not enough reason to hold him beyond a month under the law.

Yameen was arrested on February 18 to face charges of money laundering stemming from the lease of islands for hotel development during his tenure.

A three-judge bench of the High Court said the prosecution had not provided any reason to extend his remand in custody.

Yameen, who cultivated close ties with China, lost an election in a surprise result last year. His critics accused him of abuse of power and graft.&nbsp;

A court in the Maldives on Thursday ordered the release of former president Abdulla Yameen, saying there was not enough reason to hold him beyond a month under the law.

A court in the Maldives on Thursday ordered the release of former president Abdulla Yameen, saying there was not enough reason to hold him beyond a month under the law. Yameen was arrested on February 18 to face charges of money laundering stemming from the lease of islands for hotel development during his tenure. A three-judge bench of the High Court said the prosecution had not provided any reason to extend his remand in custody. Yameen, who cultivated close ties with China, lost an election in a surprise result last year. His critics accused him of abuse of power and graft.

Maldives high court orders police to release former president Yameen

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said.

The arrest came after the Criminal Court began a hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost an election in September and was forced out of power.

"Prosecutors said that Yameen had allegedly attempted to bribe witnesses," a court official said, adding that the former president would be held at the Dhoonidhoo prison island near the capital.

If convicted, the 59-year-old could face up to 15 years in jail and be fined three times the amount of the fraud involved.&nbsp;

Yameen, who came to power in 2013 and jailed many of his opponents or forced them into exile, was summoned to the Criminal Court Sunday to formally receive his indictment. He sent his lawyers in his place.

The court then scheduled a rushed hearing after prosecutors told judge Ahmed Hailam that Yameen was attempting to interfere with witnesses.

Since Yameen's shock election defeat, all dissidents have returned to the Indian Ocean archipelago and most have had their convictions overturned.&nbsp;

During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under international criticism over his dismal human rights record.

The nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims is now heavily in debt to China.

Loot stashed abroad

Authorities believe millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen could be stashed abroad, and have said that talks are underway with foreign entities to repatriate any cash found.

The court has already frozen Yameen's local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested.

Last week, an anti-corruption body came up with a report saying $79 million was embezzled from state-run Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation during Yameen's tenure.

There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the detention order.

The arrest of Yameen came a day after his chief lawyer and former justice minister Azima Shakoor was also charged with embezzlement and helping her boss to launder money.&nbsp;

Maldivian police earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country.&nbsp;

The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won an unexpected landslide in last year's election, campaigning on a pledge to end corruption in the country otherwise known for its luxury tourism.

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said.

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said. The arrest came after the Criminal Court began a hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost an election in September and was forced out of power. "Prosecutors said that Yameen had allegedly attempted to bribe witnesses," a court official said, adding that the former president would be held at the Dhoonidhoo prison island near the capital. If convicted, the 59-year-old could face up to 15 years in jail and be fined three times the amount of the fraud involved. Yameen, who came to power in 2013 and jailed many of his opponents or forced them into exile, was summoned to the Criminal Court Sunday to formally receive his indictment. He sent his lawyers in his place. The court then scheduled a rushed hearing after prosecutors told judge Ahmed Hailam that Yameen was attempting to interfere with witnesses. Since Yameen's shock election defeat, all dissidents have returned to the Indian Ocean archipelago and most have had their convictions overturned. During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under international criticism over his dismal human rights record. The nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims is now heavily in debt to China. Loot stashed abroad Authorities believe millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen could be stashed abroad, and have said that talks are underway with foreign entities to repatriate any cash found. The court has already frozen Yameen's local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested. Last week, an anti-corruption body came up with a report saying $79 million was embezzled from state-run Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation during Yameen's tenure. There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the detention order. The arrest of Yameen came a day after his chief lawyer and former justice minister Azima Shakoor was also charged with embezzlement and helping her boss to launder money. Maldivian police earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country. The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won an unexpected landslide in last year's election, campaigning on a pledge to end corruption in the country otherwise known for its luxury tourism.

Maldives arrests ex-leader Yameen over witness tampering: Officials

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him. Nasheed returned to the island nation after being in exile for nearly two years.&nbsp;

Nasheed can aptly be called quite significant to the political fabric of the Maldives. The 2003 Maldives civil unrest was a product of the public rage that erupted after an investigation, that Nasheed has pressed for, revealed that a 19-year-old prisoner was tortured to death in Maafushi jail.&nbsp;

Nasheed's political journey has been a tough one, marred by many controversies that had him spend a considerable amount of his life in prison. Nasheed's critical views on former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's regime landed him in jail multiple times, reports suggest he was jailed over twenty times under Gayoom's rule.&nbsp;

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I have been charged and imprisoned over 14 times, mostly for writing dissenting journalism. Congratulations to President Gayoom for receiving the honour marking the Diamond Jubilee of Maldives Journalism.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1072808625528164353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Born on 17 May 1967 in Malé, Maldives, Nasheed earned his education in the Maldives and in Sri Lanka before leaving for the United Kingdom where he studied maritime studies.

He was elected to the Maldivian parliament in the year 2000. Nasheed went into an exile to the United Kingdom in 2003 and formed the Maldivian Democratic Party. The British government recognised him as a political refugee. He returned to the country after over a year but was arrested again while holding a demonstration with MDP supporters in 2005.

Former Amnesty prisoner of conscience, Nasheed has been identified as a pro-democracy leader who feels deeply for environmental concerns. In 2008, he managed to overthrow the nearly three-decade-long rule of former president Gayoom in nation's first democratic polls.&nbsp;

During his presidency, Nasheed vowed to turn the Maldives carbon-neutral in the coming decade and held the world's first-ever underwater cabinet meeting. The United Nations awarded him its most prestigious &nbsp;environmental award, 'Champion of the Earth.'

But Nasheed's effort of achieving democratic stability at home was shortlived as Opposition-led protests began taking shape. His own cabinet resigned in 2010, Nasheed claimed that the Opposition was making it impossible to govern.&nbsp;

In 2012, anti-government protests gripped the island nation after Nasheed ordered the arrest of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed. After ongoing protests and constitutional crisis, Nasheed, in a nationwide broadcast, announced his resignation.&nbsp;

In March 2015, Nasheed was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years at Maafushi jail over Abdulla Mohamed's arrest. Amnesty International called the conviction as "politically motivated." Nasheed took political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2016.&nbsp;

In 2017, Nasheed vowed to return to the Maldives and contest presidential polls against President Abdulla Yameen whose refusal to comply with the court’s order to release political prisoners drew international criticism.

Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 poll. The elections were won by his party's nominee Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who crushed Yameen's five-year rule.

In November, the Maldives top court overturned the terrorism conviction against Nasheed stating that the former president was wrongfully charged and should not have been convicted in the 2015 trial.

"President Nasheed's entire trial was a politically-motivated sham," his lawyer, Hisaan Hussein, said after his conviction was quashed.

"It is appalling that an innocent man was unjustly forced to spend a year in jail, 35 months in exile, and was prevented from standing for political office."

Nasheed's appeal against his 13-year jail sentence had languished before the courts for years and came through only recently when the case reopened after Yameen's defeat. &nbsp;

Shortly after returning to his motherland, Nasheed seemed to have resumed his effort as an environmental campaigner. &nbsp;

The newly-elected Maldivian president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, invited Nasheed to head the country's negotiating delegation at the Katowice talks in Poland. The talks are aimed at agreeing on rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

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We must cease the dinosaur language of climate change, begging the greatest polluters to cut carbon emissions on ethical grounds. We must demand robust investment in clean &amp; renewable energy to end investment in and consumption of fossil fuels. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP24</a>
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1073114556845547521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-tells-un-climate-talks-we-are-not-prepared-to-die-183833">In Poland, Nasheed stated</a> that everything in power will be done to combat the climate crisis. He also said that not much progress has been made "almost 10 years since" he was last at these climate negotiations.&nbsp;

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I welcome outcome of COP24. The world has agreed that all nations must commit to new emissions targets by 2020. Maldives will play its part and submit its new target next year, in line with 1.5 degrees and GoM’s intention to rapidly shift to solar power. <a href="https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4">https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4</a>
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1074253474014027776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"But almost 10 years since I was last at these climate negotiations, I must say, nothing much seems to have changed. We are still using the same old, dinosaur language," he said.

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him.

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him. Nasheed returned to the island nation after being in exile for nearly two years. Nasheed can aptly be called quite significant to the political fabric of the Maldives. The 2003 Maldives civil unrest was a product of the public rage that erupted after an investigation, that Nasheed has pressed for, revealed that a 19-year-old prisoner was tortured to death in Maafushi jail. Nasheed's political journey has been a tough one, marred by many controversies that had him spend a considerable amount of his life in prison. Nasheed's critical views on former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's regime landed him in jail multiple times, reports suggest he was jailed over twenty times under Gayoom's rule. I have been charged and imprisoned over 14 times, mostly for writing dissenting journalism. Congratulations to President Gayoom for receiving the honour marking the Diamond Jubilee of Maldives Journalism. — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 12, 2018 × Born on 17 May 1967 in Malé, Maldives, Nasheed earned his education in the Maldives and in Sri Lanka before leaving for the United Kingdom where he studied maritime studies. He was elected to the Maldivian parliament in the year 2000. Nasheed went into an exile to the United Kingdom in 2003 and formed the Maldivian Democratic Party. The British government recognised him as a political refugee. He returned to the country after over a year but was arrested again while holding a demonstration with MDP supporters in 2005. Former Amnesty prisoner of conscience, Nasheed has been identified as a pro-democracy leader who feels deeply for environmental concerns. In 2008, he managed to overthrow the nearly three-decade-long rule of former president Gayoom in nation's first democratic polls. During his presidency, Nasheed vowed to turn the Maldives carbon-neutral in the coming decade and held the world's first-ever underwater cabinet meeting. The United Nations awarded him its most prestigious environmental award, 'Champion of the Earth.' But Nasheed's effort of achieving democratic stability at home was shortlived as Opposition-led protests began taking shape. His own cabinet resigned in 2010, Nasheed claimed that the Opposition was making it impossible to govern. In 2012, anti-government protests gripped the island nation after Nasheed ordered the arrest of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed. After ongoing protests and constitutional crisis, Nasheed, in a nationwide broadcast, announced his resignation. In March 2015, Nasheed was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years at Maafushi jail over Abdulla Mohamed's arrest. Amnesty International called the conviction as "politically motivated." Nasheed took political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2016. In 2017, Nasheed vowed to return to the Maldives and contest presidential polls against President Abdulla Yameen whose refusal to comply with the court’s order to release political prisoners drew international criticism. Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 poll. The elections were won by his party's nominee Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who crushed Yameen's five-year rule. In November, the Maldives top court overturned the terrorism conviction against Nasheed stating that the former president was wrongfully charged and should not have been convicted in the 2015 trial. "President Nasheed's entire trial was a politically-motivated sham," his lawyer, Hisaan Hussein, said after his conviction was quashed. "It is appalling that an innocent man was unjustly forced to spend a year in jail, 35 months in exile, and was prevented from standing for political office." Nasheed's appeal against his 13-year jail sentence had languished before the courts for years and came through only recently when the case reopened after Yameen's defeat. Shortly after returning to his motherland, Nasheed seemed to have resumed his effort as an environmental campaigner. The newly-elected Maldivian president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, invited Nasheed to head the country's negotiating delegation at the Katowice talks in Poland. The talks are aimed at agreeing on rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. We must cease the dinosaur language of climate change, begging the greatest polluters to cut carbon emissions on ethical grounds. We must demand robust investment in clean & renewable energy to end investment in and consumption of fossil fuels. #COP24 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 13, 2018 × In Poland, Nasheed stated that everything in power will be done to combat the climate crisis. He also said that not much progress has been made "almost 10 years since" he was last at these climate negotiations. I welcome outcome of COP24. The world has agreed that all nations must commit to new emissions targets by 2020. Maldives will play its part and submit its new target next year, in line with 1.5 degrees and GoM’s intention to rapidly shift to solar power. https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 16, 2018 × "But almost 10 years since I was last at these climate negotiations, I must say, nothing much seems to have changed. We are still using the same old, dinosaur language," he said.

Mohamed Nasheed: Maldives' fighter-politician and 'Champion of Earth'

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being.&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/solih-sworn-in-as-maldives-president-replacing-pro-china-leader-177868"> inaugurated on Saturday</a> as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the&nbsp;pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-meets-maldives-president-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-in-male-177884">PM Modi</a> as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground.

Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese.

But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product.

How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder?

This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another.

The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing.&nbsp;

The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago

It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy.

But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration.

There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well.

So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India.

But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections. With PM Modi as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground. Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese. But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product. How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder? This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another. The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing. The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy. But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration. There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well. So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India. But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

The Maldives win: What it means for India

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers.

In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people.

"Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said.

Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency.

On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict.

"I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court. In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers. In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people. "Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said. Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency. On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict. "I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

Maldives President says preparing to step down with no regrets on any decisions

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case.

The refusal came as the Supreme Court concluded its hearings, which also saw Yameen allege disappearing ink was used on ballot papers, and said it would deliver its verdict at an unspecified later date.

Lawyers for Yameen, who was beaten in the election despite all his main rivals being in prison or in exile, had said the three unnamed witnesses would reveal how the vote was rigged.

The country's independent Elections Commission (EC) through its lawyers argued Yameen's petition was based on false allegations and should be dismissed.

Local media also reported four of the five election commissioners have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring Sri Lanka following death threats after Yameen lost the election.

Despite Yameen's main competitors being out of the way and the media in his pocket, he was beaten by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint candidate of the beleaguered opposition.

Under pressure from abroad, Yameen initially conceded defeat and said he would stand down on November 17, but then last week filed his petition -- and despite the threat of sanctions.

Yameen's lawyer Mohamed Saleem told the court that the printer of ballot papers of coating them with an unnamed substance that made votes marked in Yameen's box disappear.

Saleem said a "special pen with disappearing ink" was also given to people who were going to vote for his client.&nbsp;

Counting officials also allegedly carried secret pens, in the form of rings on their fingers, which they used to mark ballots for the opposition.

Opposition lawyer Hisan Hussain said the entire challenge was based on "pure conspiracy theories".

"Pen rings and disappearing ink are fanciful. The only thing missing from the case are magic carpets," she told reporters after the hearing concluded.

She insisted that Yameen had not presented any "real evidence" to back his claims of vote rigging and fraud.

Ahead of the court hearing in the capital Male, the United States had warned "appropriat measures" would be taken if the will of the Maldivian people was undermined.

Europe and India have also issued similar warnings in the past.

The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case.

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case. The refusal came as the Supreme Court concluded its hearings, which also saw Yameen allege disappearing ink was used on ballot papers, and said it would deliver its verdict at an unspecified later date. Lawyers for Yameen, who was beaten in the election despite all his main rivals being in prison or in exile, had said the three unnamed witnesses would reveal how the vote was rigged. The country's independent Elections Commission (EC) through its lawyers argued Yameen's petition was based on false allegations and should be dismissed. Local media also reported four of the five election commissioners have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring Sri Lanka following death threats after Yameen lost the election. Despite Yameen's main competitors being out of the way and the media in his pocket, he was beaten by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint candidate of the beleaguered opposition. Under pressure from abroad, Yameen initially conceded defeat and said he would stand down on November 17, but then last week filed his petition -- and despite the threat of sanctions. Yameen's lawyer Mohamed Saleem told the court that the printer of ballot papers of coating them with an unnamed substance that made votes marked in Yameen's box disappear. Saleem said a "special pen with disappearing ink" was also given to people who were going to vote for his client. Counting officials also allegedly carried secret pens, in the form of rings on their fingers, which they used to mark ballots for the opposition. Opposition lawyer Hisan Hussain said the entire challenge was based on "pure conspiracy theories". "Pen rings and disappearing ink are fanciful. The only thing missing from the case are magic carpets," she told reporters after the hearing concluded. She insisted that Yameen had not presented any "real evidence" to back his claims of vote rigging and fraud. Ahead of the court hearing in the capital Male, the United States had warned "appropriat measures" would be taken if the will of the Maldivian people was undermined. Europe and India have also issued similar warnings in the past. The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.

Maldives court rejects Yameen's secret witnesses

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

Yameen lost heavily in the September 23 election to a little-known unity opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite his main rivals being in jail or in exile and the media in his pocket.

Under pressure from the US, Europe and India, which is seeking to counter growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned 1,200-island honeymoon paradise, Yameen quickly conceded defeat and said he would leave office on November 17.

But even as Western countries breathed a sigh of relief, prisoners were released and opposition figures began returning from exile, Yameen last week filed a request for the Supreme Court to annul the result and call fresh elections.&nbsp;

A statement on Saturday by his Progressive Party (PPM) said the vote was the "most farcical election in living memory" with the organisation "abysmal", vote-rigging "rampant" and many people unable to cast ballots.

The United States -- which like the European Union threatened sanctions if the elections were not free and fair -- on Saturday warned it would react if Yameen, 59, does not go quietly.

"The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing president Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said on Twitter.

He added that Washington "will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in #Maldives".

The situation is not dissimilar to 2013 when Yameen, estranged half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, first became president.

Yameen's rival at the time Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president who is now in exile, beat him in the first round of elections but Yameen persuaded the Supreme Court to nullify the result.

A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off.

'Blatantly unsubstantiated'

Dozens of people queued up outside the Supreme Court on Sunday to get inside several hours before the hearing began. It started with the court allowing all opposition parties to have their say.

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, Colombo-based spokesman for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the legal challenge was an attempt by Yameen to create turmoil.

The country's Joint Opposition, which includes the MDP, has asked Yameen to withdraw the "blatantly unsubstantiated case, and to step aside and to facilitate a peaceful, and smooth transition."

The opposition has also urged state institutions, including the courts and the security forces, to uphold the will of the people.

"Maldivians used the ballot to defeat the dictatorial regime. Yameen must not be allowed to perverse the hard-won opportunity for all Maldivians to attain meaningful democracy and stability," the Joint Opposition said in a statement at the weekend.

Apart from his political foes, in February Yameen jailed the chief justice and another Supreme Court judge after accusing them of trying to topple him.

Yameen had initially suspended the court, parliament and the constitution and declared a state of emergency when parliament was about to impeach him in February.

Three of the remaining Supreme Court justices have been restored, but the opposition has said they had no faith in the judiciary to deliver justice while Yameen remains in power.

However, several high profile political prisoners, including Gayoom have been released on bail since the election results were officially announced a week after the vote.

Yameen has since borrowed heavily from China under Beijing's Belt and Road initative for infrastructure projects that, like elsewhere around the Indian Ocean and beyond, have rattled India and Western countries.

The opposition has said it wants to renegotiate China's loans, although the experience of Sri Lanka, which last year leased to Beijing a new deep-sea port for 99 years, suggest this may not be easy.

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil. Yameen lost heavily in the September 23 election to a little-known unity opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite his main rivals being in jail or in exile and the media in his pocket. Under pressure from the US, Europe and India, which is seeking to counter growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned 1,200-island honeymoon paradise, Yameen quickly conceded defeat and said he would leave office on November 17. But even as Western countries breathed a sigh of relief, prisoners were released and opposition figures began returning from exile, Yameen last week filed a request for the Supreme Court to annul the result and call fresh elections. A statement on Saturday by his Progressive Party (PPM) said the vote was the "most farcical election in living memory" with the organisation "abysmal", vote-rigging "rampant" and many people unable to cast ballots. The United States -- which like the European Union threatened sanctions if the elections were not free and fair -- on Saturday warned it would react if Yameen, 59, does not go quietly. "The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing president Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said on Twitter. He added that Washington "will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in #Maldives". The situation is not dissimilar to 2013 when Yameen, estranged half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, first became president. Yameen's rival at the time Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president who is now in exile, beat him in the first round of elections but Yameen persuaded the Supreme Court to nullify the result. A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off. 'Blatantly unsubstantiated' Dozens of people queued up outside the Supreme Court on Sunday to get inside several hours before the hearing began. It started with the court allowing all opposition parties to have their say. Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, Colombo-based spokesman for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the legal challenge was an attempt by Yameen to create turmoil. The country's Joint Opposition, which includes the MDP, has asked Yameen to withdraw the "blatantly unsubstantiated case, and to step aside and to facilitate a peaceful, and smooth transition." The opposition has also urged state institutions, including the courts and the security forces, to uphold the will of the people. "Maldivians used the ballot to defeat the dictatorial regime. Yameen must not be allowed to perverse the hard-won opportunity for all Maldivians to attain meaningful democracy and stability," the Joint Opposition said in a statement at the weekend. Apart from his political foes, in February Yameen jailed the chief justice and another Supreme Court judge after accusing them of trying to topple him. Yameen had initially suspended the court, parliament and the constitution and declared a state of emergency when parliament was about to impeach him in February. Three of the remaining Supreme Court justices have been restored, but the opposition has said they had no faith in the judiciary to deliver justice while Yameen remains in power. However, several high profile political prisoners, including Gayoom have been released on bail since the election results were officially announced a week after the vote. Yameen has since borrowed heavily from China under Beijing's Belt and Road initative for infrastructure projects that, like elsewhere around the Indian Ocean and beyond, have rattled India and Western countries. The opposition has said it wants to renegotiate China's loans, although the experience of Sri Lanka, which last year leased to Beijing a new deep-sea port for 99 years, suggest this may not be easy.

Maldives judges hear strongman Abdulla Yameen's election challenge

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen.

Pro-China incumbent Yameen was trounced by opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the parliamentary elections held in the Maldives last month. Solih is widely regarded as a pro-India leader.

Yameen's party has filed a legal petition challenging his landslide election defeat despite major international pressure for him to step down.

The important statement by America comes days after Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells met President-elect Solih.

"The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people, and will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives," State Department Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a video twitter message.

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The Maldivian people turned out in record numbers during the recent elections to decisively choose Solih as their next president, Palladino said.

The election commission of the Maldives has certified the results of the presidential elections, he said.

Paladino said the US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people after he approached the

Supreme Court contesting the election results. There have been reports of serious threats against members of the election commission.

"The United States and the international community would view with great concern any attempt that undermines the democratic process including any delay in the inauguration scheduled for November 17.

"The United States will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines democracy, rule of law or free and fair electoral process of the Maldives," Paladino said.

During her meeting with Solih, Wells emphasised that the US is willing to extend cooperation to his government and to assist the Maldives in its return to the democratic

path.

"The United States urges all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and to ensure smooth and peaceful transition," Paladino added.

Yameen's shock defeat was widely reported as a blow to China, which financed his administration's flagship infrastructure projects with loans in excess of a billion dollars, drawing accusations of a debt trap from the main opposition party.

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen.

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen. Pro-China incumbent Yameen was trounced by opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the parliamentary elections held in the Maldives last month. Solih is widely regarded as a pro-India leader. Yameen's party has filed a legal petition challenging his landslide election defeat despite major international pressure for him to step down. The important statement by America comes days after Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells met President-elect Solih. "The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people, and will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives," State Department Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a video twitter message. × The Maldivian people turned out in record numbers during the recent elections to decisively choose Solih as their next president, Palladino said. The election commission of the Maldives has certified the results of the presidential elections, he said. Paladino said the US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people after he approached the Supreme Court contesting the election results. There have been reports of serious threats against members of the election commission. "The United States and the international community would view with great concern any attempt that undermines the democratic process including any delay in the inauguration scheduled for November 17. "The United States will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines democracy, rule of law or free and fair electoral process of the Maldives," Paladino said. During her meeting with Solih, Wells emphasised that the US is willing to extend cooperation to his government and to assist the Maldives in its return to the democratic path. "The United States urges all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and to ensure smooth and peaceful transition," Paladino added. Yameen's shock defeat was widely reported as a blow to China, which financed his administration's flagship infrastructure projects with loans in excess of a billion dollars, drawing accusations of a debt trap from the main opposition party.

Will take 'appropriate measures' if transfer of power in Maldives is undermined: US

A day after Maldives President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court </a>challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday.

"The Supreme Court has decided to accept the constitutional dispute filed by President Yameen and it would be heard," the court said on Twitter. It later said a hearing will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm (0800 GMT).

Yameen had earlier accepted his defeat against Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His U-turn came after the lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country.

Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election.

The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote was not free and fair and if Yameen, 59, did not accept the result.

Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17 ensuring a smooth transition. But he has been publicly urging his supporters to challenge the results.

In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed.

In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday.

A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday. "The Supreme Court has decided to accept the constitutional dispute filed by President Yameen and it would be heard," the court said on Twitter. It later said a hearing will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm (0800 GMT). Yameen had earlier accepted his defeat against Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His U-turn came after the lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country. Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election. The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote was not free and fair and if Yameen, 59, did not accept the result. Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17 ensuring a smooth transition. But he has been publicly urging his supporters to challenge the results. In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed. In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives court to hear election challenge on Sunday

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday.

Welcoming the outcome of the ballot which resulted in the victory of the unified Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a long-time parliamentarian from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the defeat of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, CHRI commended the citizens of Maldives "for voting in large numbers despite efforts at intimidation, harassment and threats of violence that characterised the environment in the run-up to the elections".

The high voter turnout of nearly 90 per cent is a clear affirmation of the Maldivian people's commitment to a democratic electoral process and rule of law enshrined in the 2008 Constitution of the Maldives.

The CHRI urged all stakeholders and institutions to work together to ensure a smooth transition of power following the November 17 inauguration.

In a hotly-contested election in the island nation on September 23, Solih, who had the backing of several opposition parties, led by the MDP, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission. Yameen, however, secured only 96,132 votes.

Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30. However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat. 
&nbsp;

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday.

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday. Welcoming the outcome of the ballot which resulted in the victory of the unified Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a long-time parliamentarian from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the defeat of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, CHRI commended the citizens of Maldives "for voting in large numbers despite efforts at intimidation, harassment and threats of violence that characterised the environment in the run-up to the elections". The high voter turnout of nearly 90 per cent is a clear affirmation of the Maldivian people's commitment to a democratic electoral process and rule of law enshrined in the 2008 Constitution of the Maldives. The CHRI urged all stakeholders and institutions to work together to ensure a smooth transition of power following the November 17 inauguration. In a hotly-contested election in the island nation on September 23, Solih, who had the backing of several opposition parties, led by the MDP, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission. Yameen, however, secured only 96,132 votes. Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30. However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat.

Maldives result: People's affirmation to democracy, says CHRI

The party of defeated Maldives'&nbsp;President Abdulla Yameen has requested a delay in the publication of the final results for an election for which Yameen conceded defeat on Monday, Elections Commission chief Ahmed Shareef said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"PPM (Progressive Party of Maldives) has raised some concerns and asked the commission to delay the announcement of the official results," Shareef told Reuters.&nbsp;

Shareef said the "lawful deadline" for issuing final results was Sunday and the Commission had not yet decided on the PPM`s request. "The Commission has not been briefed on the nature of the complaints yet, but there are allegations of fraud from what I understand," he said.

The party of defeated Maldives' President Abdulla Yameen has requested a delay in the publication of the final results for an election for which Yameen conceded defeat on Monday, Elections Commission chief Ahmed Shareef said on Wednesday.

The party of defeated Maldives' President Abdulla Yameen has requested a delay in the publication of the final results for an election for which Yameen conceded defeat on Monday, Elections Commission chief Ahmed Shareef said on Wednesday. "PPM (Progressive Party of Maldives) has raised some concerns and asked the commission to delay the announcement of the official results," Shareef told Reuters. Shareef said the "lawful deadline" for issuing final results was Sunday and the Commission had not yet decided on the PPM`s request. "The Commission has not been briefed on the nature of the complaints yet, but there are allegations of fraud from what I understand," he said.

Defeated Maldives leader Yameen's party asks to delay final vote results

The global pressure mounting on the Maldivian government seems to escalate further with reports suggesting that European airlines may halt flights to the island country. Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same.&nbsp;

In his tweet, Joern Rohde noted, "We hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season.” Rohde reasoned that despite the lifting of the state of emergency by the Yameen government, “democratic rights remain curtailed as MPs remain jailed on politically motivated prosecutions. The economy and thus the people suffer since tourists continue to stay away.”&nbsp;

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...we hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season. 
 
Solution: Only a return to Democracy will bring back stability and the positive image of the wonderful Maldives now tarnished by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights
— Joern Rohde (@joern_rohde) <a href="https://twitter.com/joern_rohde/status/979300973247045632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rohde further added that the only way for the Maldives to return to a state of stability is by turning back to democracy. He added that the country's otherwise "wonderful" and "positive" image has now been tarnished "by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights.”

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday lifted the 45-day State of Emergency that he imposed on February 5.

Yameen imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison.&nbsp;

He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition.&nbsp;

Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.&nbsp;

Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same

The global pressure mounting on the Maldivian government seems to escalate further with reports suggesting that European airlines may halt flights to the island country. Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same. In his tweet, Joern Rohde noted, "We hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season.” Rohde reasoned that despite the lifting of the state of emergency by the Yameen government, “democratic rights remain curtailed as MPs remain jailed on politically motivated prosecutions. The economy and thus the people suffer since tourists continue to stay away.” ...we hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season. Solution: Only a return to Democracy will bring back stability and the positive image of the wonderful Maldives now tarnished by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights — Joern Rohde (@joern_rohde) March 29, 2018 × Rohde further added that the only way for the Maldives to return to a state of stability is by turning back to democracy. He added that the country's otherwise "wonderful" and "positive" image has now been tarnished "by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights.” Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday lifted the 45-day State of Emergency that he imposed on February 5. Yameen imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition. Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.

Europe likely to halt flights to Maldives to ensure return to democracy

The Maldivian President&#39;s office has issued a statement in the wake former President Nasheed&#39;s allegations accusing President Yameen of &quot;violating UN sanctions on North Korea&quot;.

&quot;The Maldives will pursue aggressive regulatory action against those who tarnish the good standing and reputation of the nation,&quot; noted the official release.&nbsp;

&quot;The Government of Maldives gives high priority to the implementation of all resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, including the Resolutions on Democratic People&#39;s Republic of Korea (North Korea),&quot; the statement further noted.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-former-president-nasheed-alleges-president-yameen-of-violating-un-sanctions-on-north-korea-34340">Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed alleged</a> that Yameen allowed the ships to transfer cargo to North Korean ships on the high seas. The former president took to Twitter saying, &quot;It&#39;s concerning, but unsurprising, to learn President Yameen is again breaking UN sanctions, this time with North Korea. He&#39;s getting Maldives flagged ships to transfer cargo to North Korean ships on the high seas. In the 1990s, Prez Yameen did the same with the Burmese junta.&quot;

The release clarified that &quot;the Government of the Republic of Maldives, in no uncertain terms, refutes the assumption that a vessel named Xin Yuan 18 is of Maldivian origin &ndash; no such vessel is registered in the country. Further, we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the use of our National Flag in a manner so as to tarnish the good standing and reputation of our nation and that of our people&quot;.

The statement concluded saying that the Maldivian authorities do not allow flag of convenience to foreign-owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives confirmed that the vessel &lsquo;Xin Yuan 18&rsquo; is not registered in the Maldives.&nbsp;

The statement concluded saying that the Maldivian authorities do not allow flag of convenience to foreign-owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters

The Maldivian President's office has issued a statement in the wake former President Nasheed's allegations accusing President Yameen of "violating UN sanctions on North Korea". "The Maldives will pursue aggressive regulatory action against those who tarnish the good standing and reputation of the nation," noted the official release. "The Government of Maldives gives high priority to the implementation of all resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, including the Resolutions on Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)," the statement further noted. Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed alleged that Yameen allowed the ships to transfer cargo to North Korean ships on the high seas. The former president took to Twitter saying, "It's concerning, but unsurprising, to learn President Yameen is again breaking UN sanctions, this time with North Korea. He's getting Maldives flagged ships to transfer cargo to North Korean ships on the high seas. In the 1990s, Prez Yameen did the same with the Burmese junta." The release clarified that "the Government of the Republic of Maldives, in no uncertain terms, refutes the assumption that a vessel named Xin Yuan 18 is of Maldivian origin – no such vessel is registered in the country. Further, we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the use of our National Flag in a manner so as to tarnish the good standing and reputation of our nation and that of our people". The statement concluded saying that the Maldivian authorities do not allow flag of convenience to foreign-owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives confirmed that the vessel ‘Xin Yuan 18’ is not registered in the Maldives.

Maldives snubs claims of violating UN sanctions on North Korea

India&#39;s relations with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/extension-of-emergency-will-delay-restoration-of-normalcy-in-maldives-ministry-of-external-affairs-33626">Maldives continued to slide</a> as&nbsp;the Maldives government in a statement said today that India has ignored facts and ground realities with regard to political developments in the country.

&quot;The assertion by India that the extension of the state of emergency was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts,&quot; the statement by Maldives government said.

India on Wednesday had said it was deeply &quot;dismayed&quot; with the Maldives government after it extended the emergency for 30 days. The government added that the manner &quot;in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern&quot;.&nbsp;

The Maldives government justified the move asserting that the Supreme Court had cleared the &quot;validity of the emergency&quot; in its ruling on February 21st.

&quot;It is therefore important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country,&quot; the statement declared.

&quot;The People&rsquo;s Majlis provided relief by lifting some of the restrictions imposed on Constitutional Articles under the State of Emergency and by imposing the State of Emergency only upon individuals alleged to have carried out illegal activities and in the places they stayed,&quot; the Maldives government statement said.

&ldquo;The government of Maldives reiterates its firm commitment to work closely with the international community, including India, to address the concerns they might have,&quot; the statement concluded.

India had earlier raised concern over developments in the Maldives even as the Yameen-led government imposed emergency on February 5th and then extended it by a further 30 days on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India had earlier raised concern over developments in the Maldives even as the Yameen-led government imposed emergency

India's relations with the Maldives continued to slide as the Maldives government in a statement said today that India has ignored facts and ground realities with regard to political developments in the country. "The assertion by India that the extension of the state of emergency was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts," the statement by Maldives government said. India on Wednesday had said it was deeply "dismayed" with the Maldives government after it extended the emergency for 30 days. The government added that the manner "in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern". The Maldives government justified the move asserting that the Supreme Court had cleared the "validity of the emergency" in its ruling on February 21st. "It is therefore important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the statement declared. "The People’s Majlis provided relief by lifting some of the restrictions imposed on Constitutional Articles under the State of Emergency and by imposing the State of Emergency only upon individuals alleged to have carried out illegal activities and in the places they stayed," the Maldives government statement said. “The government of Maldives reiterates its firm commitment to work closely with the international community, including India, to address the concerns they might have," the statement concluded. India had earlier raised concern over developments in the Maldives even as the Yameen-led government imposed emergency on February 5th and then extended it by a further 30 days on Wednesday.

India's view on extension of emergency clear distortion of facts: Maldives government

Maldivian President seeks the extension of the state of emergency in the country.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing political crisis, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen requested the parliament to extend the state of emergency for 15 days.

The Maldives&#39;s parliament is likely to act upon Yameen&#39;s request after the legislator vote for the move.

A state of emergency was declared on February 5 for 15 days. The Maldivian president quashed Supreme Court&#39;s decision to release nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.

President Abdulla Yameen had ordered the arrest of Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed and Judicial administrator Hassan Saeed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Maldives police recently noted to have launched an investigation into the attempt to &quot;overthrow the government&quot; of Maldives.

Police said it had brought former president Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Al Ustaz Abdullah Saeed, Supreme Court judge Ali Hameed among others into custody to investigate the case.

President Yameen seeks to extend the state of emergency for further 15 days

Maldivian President seeks the extension of the state of emergency in the country. Amid the ongoing political crisis, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen requested the parliament to extend the state of emergency for 15 days. The Maldives's parliament is likely to act upon Yameen's request after the legislator vote for the move. A state of emergency was declared on February 5 for 15 days. The Maldivian president quashed Supreme Court's decision to release nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed. President Abdulla Yameen had ordered the arrest of Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed and Judicial administrator Hassan Saeed. Meanwhile, Maldives police recently noted to have launched an investigation into the attempt to "overthrow the government" of Maldives. Police said it had brought former president Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Al Ustaz Abdullah Saeed, Supreme Court judge Ali Hameed among others into custody to investigate the case.

Maldives: President Yameen requests parliament to extend state of emergency

After India&#39;s defence minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-political-turmoil-maldives-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-meets-defence-minister-sitharaman-33330">Nirmala Sitharaman met Mohamed Nasheed</a> on Monday, Indian government sources said the former Maldives president did not discuss the situation in the Maldives with the Indian defence minister.

In a tweet earlier, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-parliamentary-committee-decides-to-extend-emergency-for-1-month-33396">the Maldives ex-president had</a> said he had &quot;briefed&quot;&nbsp;Sitharaman on the situation prevailing in the Maldives.&nbsp;

Indian government sources, however, denied Nasheed&#39;s views, asserting that Sitharaman didn&#39;t meet Nasheed in an &quot;official capacity&quot;. The sources refuted the Maldives leader&#39;s message and said the Indian defence minister did not discuss the situation in the Maldives.

Maldives president Yameen had declared a state of emergency on February 5th after the island nation&rsquo;s Supreme Court ordered the release of nine political prisoners, including exiled former President Nasheed, saying their trials were politically motivated and flawed.&nbsp;

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen refused to comply with the judgement and arrested a number of Supreme Court judges including the Chief Justice and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

In a tweet earlier, the Maldives ex-president had said he had "briefed" Sitharaman on the situation prevailing in the Maldives.

After India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Mohamed Nasheed on Monday, Indian government sources said the former Maldives president did not discuss the situation in the Maldives with the Indian defence minister. In a tweet earlier, the Maldives ex-president had said he had "briefed" Sitharaman on the situation prevailing in the Maldives. Indian government sources, however, denied Nasheed's views, asserting that Sitharaman didn't meet Nasheed in an "official capacity". The sources refuted the Maldives leader's message and said the Indian defence minister did not discuss the situation in the Maldives. Maldives president Yameen had declared a state of emergency on February 5th after the island nation’s Supreme Court ordered the release of nine political prisoners, including exiled former President Nasheed, saying their trials were politically motivated and flawed. Maldives President Abdulla Yameen refused to comply with the judgement and arrested a number of Supreme Court judges including the Chief Justice and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Nasheed didn't discuss Maldives situation with Sitharaman: Indian government sources

As the Maldives simmer in a political turmoil, President Abdulla Yameen earlier announced sending envoys to three &quot;friendly nations&quot; -- China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. India did not figure on the list.

The Maldives government in a confirmatory statement has now clarified that India was the first stop planned for a visit by a special envoy of the Maldivian president. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues of the Indian leadership, the island nation&#39;s envoy said today.

&quot;India was, in fact, the first stop planned and proposed for a visit of a special envoy of the president of Maldives. However, the dates proposed were not suitable for the Indian leadership,&quot; Maldivian envoy Ahmed Mohamed told media.

The statement acknowledged that the external affairs minister of India is not in the country at present while PM Modi is also leaving for the UAE tomorrow.

&quot;Members of the Administration&rsquo;s Cabinet, on the direction of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, will visit friendly nations of the Maldives and provide updates on the current situation,&quot; read the official statement issued previously.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Chinese authority warned against any outside intervention in the internal affairs of the Maldives with apparent reference to India, saying it would &quot;complicate&quot; the situation.

The Indian government also received multiple appeals from the country&#39;s exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed to intervene to resolve the deepening political crisis.

India reacted saying that it was &quot;disturbed&quot; by the declaration of emergency in the Maldives and described as a matter of &quot;concern&quot; the arrests of the chief justice and political figures there.&nbsp;

The Maldives plunged into chaos last Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine imprisoned opposition politicians. President Yameen quashed the apex court&#39;s order and ordered the arrest of the former president along with top justices after announcing the state of emergency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Maldives government in a confirmatory statement has now clarified that India was the first stop planned for a visit by a special envoy of the Maldivian president

As the Maldives simmer in a political turmoil, President Abdulla Yameen earlier announced sending envoys to three "friendly nations" -- China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. India did not figure on the list. The Maldives government in a confirmatory statement has now clarified that India was the first stop planned for a visit by a special envoy of the Maldivian president. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues of the Indian leadership, the island nation's envoy said today. "India was, in fact, the first stop planned and proposed for a visit of a special envoy of the president of Maldives. However, the dates proposed were not suitable for the Indian leadership," Maldivian envoy Ahmed Mohamed told media. The statement acknowledged that the external affairs minister of India is not in the country at present while PM Modi is also leaving for the UAE tomorrow. "Members of the Administration’s Cabinet, on the direction of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, will visit friendly nations of the Maldives and provide updates on the current situation," read the official statement issued previously. On Wednesday, the Chinese authority warned against any outside intervention in the internal affairs of the Maldives with apparent reference to India, saying it would "complicate" the situation. The Indian government also received multiple appeals from the country's exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed to intervene to resolve the deepening political crisis. India reacted saying that it was "disturbed" by the declaration of emergency in the Maldives and described as a matter of "concern" the arrests of the chief justice and political figures there. The Maldives plunged into chaos last Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine imprisoned opposition politicians. President Yameen quashed the apex court's order and ordered the arrest of the former president along with top justices after announcing the state of emergency. (With inputs from agencies)

India was first stop planned for special envoy's visit: Maldives

With the Maldives in turmoil following a face-off between the government and its Supreme Court, India is expected to follow a standard operating procedure (SOP) that includes keeping the troops in readiness, government sources indicated today.

India, which said it was &quot;disturbed&quot; over the situation in the archipelago nation, has already issued a travel advisory as part of the SOP but officials would not confirm one of its crucial aspects pertaining to keeping troops on standby.

Sources said troop movement has been seen as a key air- base in Southern India.

According to the SOP, the troops are kept ready to meet any eventuality, crisis or requirement for help, sources said, adding there is nothing unusual about such SOPs.

Significantly, exiled former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed today sought India&#39;s diplomatic and military intervention to resolve the crisis in the country after President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency and got arrested the top judge of the country&#39;s apex court.

The Indian Navy patrols sea lanes around the Maldives as naval cooperation between the two countries are robust.

India had yesterday asked its nationals to defer all non- essential travels to the Indian Ocean nation until further notice.

In an advisory, the external affairs ministry also asked Indian expatriates in the Maldives to maintain heightened security awareness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/supreme-courts-order-is-unconstitutional-maldives-president-yameen-31993">Top justices arrested, President Yameen accuses judges of plotting to overthrow him </a>

The picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago, which has seen a number of political crises since the ouster of its first democratically-elected president Nasheed in 2012, plunged into chaos on Thursday last when the apex court ordered the release of nine imprisoned opposition politicians, maintaining that their trials were &quot;politically motivated and flawed&quot;.

The nine political leaders included Nasheed. The Yameen government refused to implement the order, prompting a wave of protests in capital Male, with clashes between police and demonstrators.

Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed, were arrested hours after President Yameen declared a state of emergency yesterday. No details were given about the investigation or charges against them.

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has allied himself with the opposition, was also detained at his home.

India said it was 'disturbed' over the situation in the archipelago nation and has already issued a travel advisory as part of the SOP

With the Maldives in turmoil following a face-off between the government and its Supreme Court, India is expected to follow a standard operating procedure (SOP) that includes keeping the troops in readiness, government sources indicated today. India, which said it was "disturbed" over the situation in the archipelago nation, has already issued a travel advisory as part of the SOP but officials would not confirm one of its crucial aspects pertaining to keeping troops on standby. Sources said troop movement has been seen as a key air- base in Southern India. According to the SOP, the troops are kept ready to meet any eventuality, crisis or requirement for help, sources said, adding there is nothing unusual about such SOPs. Significantly, exiled former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed today sought India's diplomatic and military intervention to resolve the crisis in the country after President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency and got arrested the top judge of the country's apex court. The Indian Navy patrols sea lanes around the Maldives as naval cooperation between the two countries are robust. India had yesterday asked its nationals to defer all non- essential travels to the Indian Ocean nation until further notice. In an advisory, the external affairs ministry also asked Indian expatriates in the Maldives to maintain heightened security awareness. Also read: Top justices arrested, President Yameen accuses judges of plotting to overthrow him The picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago, which has seen a number of political crises since the ouster of its first democratically-elected president Nasheed in 2012, plunged into chaos on Thursday last when the apex court ordered the release of nine imprisoned opposition politicians, maintaining that their trials were "politically motivated and flawed". The nine political leaders included Nasheed. The Yameen government refused to implement the order, prompting a wave of protests in capital Male, with clashes between police and demonstrators. Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed, were arrested hours after President Yameen declared a state of emergency yesterday. No details were given about the investigation or charges against them. Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has allied himself with the opposition, was also detained at his home.

Turmoil in Maldives: India to keep troops ready

India has reacted to the ongoing political crisis that simmers in the Maldives saying that it is disturbed by the declaration of emergency in the Maldives where the government refused to abide by the unanimous ruling of Supreme Court.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We are disturbed by the declaration of a State of Emergency in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a> following the refusal of the Govt to abide by the unanimous ruling of the full bench of the Supreme Court on 1 Feb, and also by the suspension of Constitutional rights of the people of Maldives: MEA
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/960865616918929412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The Supreme Court on Thursday called for an immediate release of former president Mohamed Nasheed along with eight other opposition leaders. The court also demanded their fresh trials noting the previous proceedings to have violated the constitution and international law.

The former president and other eight leaders face charges ranging from terrorism to treason and corruption.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/supreme-courts-order-is-unconstitutional-maldives-president-yameen-31993">The President of Maldives Abdul Yameen quashed the apex court&#39;s directive</a> and declared a state of national emergency for 15 days. Shortly after the emergency was declared, Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom along with top justices was arrested. President Abdulla Yameen ordered security forces to seize control of the court and arrest the chief justice among others.&nbsp;

The exiled leader of the Maldives opposition Mohamed Nasheed urged the US and India to help remove the president from office, saying he had &quot;illegally&quot; declared martial law.

Yameen, on the other hand, accused judges of plotting to overthrow him, hours after he declared a state of emergency and ordered the arrest of the chief justice.

The Supreme Court on Thursday called for an immediate release of former president Mohamed Nasheed along with eight other opposition leaders

India has reacted to the ongoing political crisis that simmers in the Maldives saying that it is disturbed by the declaration of emergency in the Maldives where the government refused to abide by the unanimous ruling of Supreme Court. We are disturbed by the declaration of a State of Emergency in #Maldives following the refusal of the Govt to abide by the unanimous ruling of the full bench of the Supreme Court on 1 Feb, and also by the suspension of Constitutional rights of the people of Maldives: MEA — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2018 × The Supreme Court on Thursday called for an immediate release of former president Mohamed Nasheed along with eight other opposition leaders. The court also demanded their fresh trials noting the previous proceedings to have violated the constitution and international law. The former president and other eight leaders face charges ranging from terrorism to treason and corruption. The President of Maldives Abdul Yameen quashed the apex court's directive and declared a state of national emergency for 15 days. Shortly after the emergency was declared, Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom along with top justices was arrested. President Abdulla Yameen ordered security forces to seize control of the court and arrest the chief justice among others. The exiled leader of the Maldives opposition Mohamed Nasheed urged the US and India to help remove the president from office, saying he had "illegally" declared martial law. Yameen, on the other hand, accused judges of plotting to overthrow him, hours after he declared a state of emergency and ordered the arrest of the chief justice.

Maldives: India says disturbed by declaration of emergency

<div style="text-align: justify;">The Maldivian state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) has accused the Doha-based broadcaster&nbsp;Al Jazeera of making a documentary film that will damage the archipelago&#39;s economy and reputation.&nbsp;The documentary is about the&nbsp;abuse of power and the alleged corruption of&nbsp;current President Abdulla Yameen. &nbsp; 
 
The Maldives Independent website reported that PSM wrote an article on its official website, claiming the documentary is made by a &ldquo;a foreigner and non-Muslim called Will Jordan with the purpose of spreading falsehoods about the Maldives and causing loss of investor confidence&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
 
The broadcaster also accused the journalist of working on behalf of the opposition party, The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).&nbsp;
 
On Thursday,&nbsp;Will Jordan received a death-threatening tweet from what seems to be&nbsp;a Maldivian nationalist youth organisation. 
&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb">
<a href="https://twitter.com/willjordan">@willjordan</a> U will die soon. We have hired some gunmens to shot u. &amp; we r not afraid of f****** (sic)&nbsp;anyone or any country. See the bullet ??
&mdash; DhivehiLashkaru (@DhivehiLashkaru) <a href="https://twitter.com/DhivehiLashkaru/status/771070789990830080">31 August 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
&nbsp;

In an email interaction with WION,&nbsp;Clayton Swisher, Director of Investigative Journalism for Al Jazeera, said: &quot;On Thursday&nbsp;we were made aware of a specific threat circulated on social media against one of our investigative reporters. We immediately notified the Metropolitan Police in London who have launched an investigation. &nbsp;We similarly call on the Maldivian government to assist with identifying those behind this campaign of intimidation, and we urge all parties to keep an open mind ahead of the films broadcast.&quot; 
 
A source close to Al Jazeera told WION that the documentary screening which was meant to be&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;in London was postponed because&nbsp;the organisers fear&nbsp;for viewers&#39;&nbsp;security.
After the end in 2008 of 30 years of&nbsp;autocratic rule by Abdul Gayoom, the Maldives has been through a period of political turmoil. After winning the first democratic elections in the country&#39;s history, former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned in 2012 after what the MDP claims was a coup. He currently lives in&nbsp;London, after having been sentenced to 13 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act; he served a year of his sentence. Nasheed was accused of arbitrarily using his influence to remove a criminal court judge from his post. The international human&nbsp;rights organisation Amnesty International called the sentence&nbsp;&ldquo;politically motivated&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
 
PSM&#39;s statement comes only a few days after the business lobby group Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI) urged President Yameen to ban foreign journalists from working in the Maldives. The group said foreign journalists are biased in their coverage and that they could undermine the national economy, built mainly&nbsp;on tourism.&nbsp; 
 
The allegations against Al Jazeera come on top of other similar events, suggesting a general crackdown against foreign media reporting from the country. &nbsp; 
 
On August 5, Polish photojournalist Elwira Szczecian and her Italian husband were expelled from the country. While on holiday, the photographer came across a demonstration and took a few pictures. That was considered enough by the Maldivian police to arrest the couple on accusations of practising journalism illegally in the country. The Immigration Office issued a 10-year&nbsp;ban against them.&nbsp; 
 
In December 2015, a similar fate befell a four-member German TV crew reporting from the Maldives. The immigration department expelled them saying they were shooting without permission. &nbsp; 
 
During former President Nasheed&#39;s tenure, foreign journalists were allowed to enter the country and report on tourist visas -- a&nbsp;practice the new government is not keen on continuing.&nbsp; 
 
The Maldives Independent reported that member of parliament Ahmed Nihan said on TV&nbsp;that Maldivian citizens will also be held responsible if they are believed to have misreported facts to the foreign media. &ldquo;Action will be taken if they give false information to harm the Maldives, harm the government, and destroy the economy,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Legal action will also be taken against those who broadcast, rebroadcast, or report the same content in writing.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
The scenario is also getting increasingly difficult for local media houses. On August 9, the Maldivian parliament passed a defamation bill allowing&nbsp;journalists and media houses to be prosecuted and fined (heavily)&nbsp;in case allegations made by them are considered offensive. &nbsp; 
 
Defamation bills, all over the world, are often misused by governments as a pretext to silence the media. Maldivian journalists and citizens took to the streets to protest against the bill, but their voices went unheard. &nbsp; 
 
The Maldives is a young democracy, a country that has for long been hostage to what Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie defined as the &quot;danger of a single story&quot;, a mono-dimensional narrative which flattens the many shades of a story giving voice only to one side. &nbsp; 
 
For many years, the international media and their audience thought and spoke about the Maldives only as an earthly paradise, free of problems, a place one went for&nbsp;relaxing holidays and the astonishing beaches. &nbsp; 
 
Politics seemed to play no role in the Maldives&#39; narrative. There was only space for that single story of the perfect and romantic holiday, a place the society of which&nbsp;could be anything but unhappy. &nbsp; 
 
The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth, but there is clearly more going on there: a country with political and social challenges, a young democracy living through a turbulent moment but one that is also willing to invest its energies&nbsp;in getting rid of it. &nbsp; 
 
Trying to silence voices and witnesses, both foreign and local, who are investigating and reporting on this process in the name of protecting business will only harm the country&#39;s democratic development.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)</div>

The documentary is about the?abuse of power and the alleged corruption of?current President Abdulla Yameen

The Maldivian state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) has accused the Doha-based broadcaster Al Jazeera of making a documentary film that will damage the archipelago's economy and reputation. The documentary is about the abuse of power and the alleged corruption of current President Abdulla Yameen. The Maldives Independent website reported that PSM wrote an article on its official website, claiming the documentary is made by a “a foreigner and non-Muslim called Will Jordan with the purpose of spreading falsehoods about the Maldives and causing loss of investor confidence”. The broadcaster also accused the journalist of working on behalf of the opposition party, The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). On Thursday, Will Jordan received a death-threatening tweet from what seems to be a Maldivian nationalist youth organisation. @willjordan U will die soon. We have hired some gunmens to shot u. & we r not afraid of f****** (sic) anyone or any country. See the bullet ?? — DhivehiLashkaru (@DhivehiLashkaru) 31 August 2016 In an email interaction with WION, Clayton Swisher, Director of Investigative Journalism for Al Jazeera, said: "On Thursday we were made aware of a specific threat circulated on social media against one of our investigative reporters. We immediately notified the Metropolitan Police in London who have launched an investigation. We similarly call on the Maldivian government to assist with identifying those behind this campaign of intimidation, and we urge all parties to keep an open mind ahead of the films broadcast." A source close to Al Jazeera told WION that the documentary screening which was meant to be on Sunday in London was postponed because the organisers fear for viewers' security. After the end in 2008 of 30 years of autocratic rule by Abdul Gayoom, the Maldives has been through a period of political turmoil. After winning the first democratic elections in the country's history, former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned in 2012 after what the MDP claims was a coup. He currently lives in London, after having been sentenced to 13 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act; he served a year of his sentence. Nasheed was accused of arbitrarily using his influence to remove a criminal court judge from his post. The international human rights organisation Amnesty International called the sentence “politically motivated”. PSM's statement comes only a few days after the business lobby group Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI) urged President Yameen to ban foreign journalists from working in the Maldives. The group said foreign journalists are biased in their coverage and that they could undermine the national economy, built mainly on tourism. The allegations against Al Jazeera come on top of other similar events, suggesting a general crackdown against foreign media reporting from the country. On August 5, Polish photojournalist Elwira Szczecian and her Italian husband were expelled from the country. While on holiday, the photographer came across a demonstration and took a few pictures. That was considered enough by the Maldivian police to arrest the couple on accusations of practising journalism illegally in the country. The Immigration Office issued a 10-year ban against them. In December 2015, a similar fate befell a four-member German TV crew reporting from the Maldives. The immigration department expelled them saying they were shooting without permission. During former President Nasheed's tenure, foreign journalists were allowed to enter the country and report on tourist visas -- a practice the new government is not keen on continuing. The Maldives Independent reported that member of parliament Ahmed Nihan said on TV that Maldivian citizens will also be held responsible if they are believed to have misreported facts to the foreign media. “Action will be taken if they give false information to harm the Maldives, harm the government, and destroy the economy,” he said. “Legal action will also be taken against those who broadcast, rebroadcast, or report the same content in writing.” The scenario is also getting increasingly difficult for local media houses. On August 9, the Maldivian parliament passed a defamation bill allowing journalists and media houses to be prosecuted and fined (heavily) in case allegations made by them are considered offensive. Defamation bills, all over the world, are often misused by governments as a pretext to silence the media. Maldivian journalists and citizens took to the streets to protest against the bill, but their voices went unheard. The Maldives is a young democracy, a country that has for long been hostage to what Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie defined as the "danger of a single story", a mono-dimensional narrative which flattens the many shades of a story giving voice only to one side. For many years, the international media and their audience thought and spoke about the Maldives only as an earthly paradise, free of problems, a place one went for relaxing holidays and the astonishing beaches. Politics seemed to play no role in the Maldives' narrative. There was only space for that single story of the perfect and romantic holiday, a place the society of which could be anything but unhappy. The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth, but there is clearly more going on there: a country with political and social challenges, a young democracy living through a turbulent moment but one that is also willing to invest its energies in getting rid of it. Trying to silence voices and witnesses, both foreign and local, who are investigating and reporting on this process in the name of protecting business will only harm the country's democratic development. (WION)

Maldives crackdown on foreign media continues, film accused of harming 'archipelago's reputation'

The Maldives state broadcaster, Public Service Media, (PSM) has taken down an article accusing former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of being anti-Islamic, the Maldives Independent reported today. 
 
&ldquo;PSM triggered a storm of criticism as it posted the article, just a day after the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives approved a widely condemned law criminalisng defamation.&rdquo; Maldives Independent wrote. 
 
Gayoom had earlier appealed to MPs to reject the bill. 
&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In the spirit of our Constitution which is in line with Islamic principles I appeal to all MPs to reject the current bill on defamation.
&mdash; Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/maumoonagayoom/status/762702778003185664">August 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

 
 
The current President Abdula Yameen is the former president&#39;s&nbsp;half-brother and the two are fighting for the control of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). 
 
Gayoom had taken to microblogging site Twitter after the law was passed. 
 
&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Integrity and courage are crucial for success in all political endeavours. If we allow fear to restrict our actions we will never deliver.
&mdash; Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/maumoonagayoom/status/763425062489686016">August 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

 
Maldives Independent reported that PSM, in its online article, interpreted Gayoom&rsquo;s tweet as &ldquo;support for what it calls the secular policies of exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed&quot;. 
 
&ldquo;President Maumoon&rsquo;s sudden change of stance, in line with Nasheed&rsquo;s, and encouragement of fun without fear came as a surprise to many. This raises questions over what the nearly 80-year old Maumoon may say next,&rdquo; a broadcast of the report aired on PSM&rsquo;s Television Maldives said. &ldquo;We are now starting to believe that Maumoon, like Nasheed did, will start advocating in his tweets for Maldivians to behave like white people, to back-bite and criticise, and not to stay sober all the time.&rdquo; 
 
According to Maldives Independent, PSM had cited unnamed media reports and alleged that Gayoom was in talks with the opposition &ldquo;to ensure he is given the title of Maldives&rsquo; supreme leader and to facilitate his son&rsquo;s rise to power.&rdquo; 
 
&ldquo;The state broadcaster is 38 years old. I have never seen such a deplorable article on TVM yet,&rdquo; wrote Hussain Hussain, a Sun Online journalist and member of print and online media regulator. &ldquo;What will be the result of stoking the fire of hate that burns here?&rdquo; 
 
 
 
 
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Gayoom, like former president Nasheed, will start advocating in his tweets for Maldivians to behave like white people, the report said

The Maldives state broadcaster, Public Service Media, (PSM) has taken down an article accusing former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of being anti-Islamic, the Maldives Independent reported today. “PSM triggered a storm of criticism as it posted the article, just a day after the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives approved a widely condemned law criminalisng defamation.” Maldives Independent wrote. Gayoom had earlier appealed to MPs to reject the bill. In the spirit of our Constitution which is in line with Islamic principles I appeal to all MPs to reject the current bill on defamation. — Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) August 8, 2016 The current President Abdula Yameen is the former president's half-brother and the two are fighting for the control of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Gayoom had taken to microblogging site Twitter after the law was passed. Integrity and courage are crucial for success in all political endeavours. If we allow fear to restrict our actions we will never deliver. — Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) August 10, 2016 Maldives Independent reported that PSM, in its online article, interpreted Gayoom’s tweet as “support for what it calls the secular policies of exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed". “President Maumoon’s sudden change of stance, in line with Nasheed’s, and encouragement of fun without fear came as a surprise to many. This raises questions over what the nearly 80-year old Maumoon may say next,” a broadcast of the report aired on PSM’s Television Maldives said. “We are now starting to believe that Maumoon, like Nasheed did, will start advocating in his tweets for Maldivians to behave like white people, to back-bite and criticise, and not to stay sober all the time.” According to Maldives Independent, PSM had cited unnamed media reports and alleged that Gayoom was in talks with the opposition “to ensure he is given the title of Maldives’ supreme leader and to facilitate his son’s rise to power.” “The state broadcaster is 38 years old. I have never seen such a deplorable article on TVM yet,” wrote Hussain Hussain, a Sun Online journalist and member of print and online media regulator. “What will be the result of stoking the fire of hate that burns here?” ?

State broadcaster takes down article criticising Gayoom, reports Maldives Independent

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