News

Parliament standing orders case: Hearings conclude; judgment next

Published

3 months ago

21/02/2024

Supreme Court, on Wednesday, has concluded the hearings in the case filed by the Attorney General’s Office (AG Office) over the controversial amendment to the parliament’s standing orders.

Seven lawmakers resigned from the Parliament in November, to assume top positions in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. But the Elections Commission decided against holding by-elections, so close to the parliamentary elections.

Taking advantage of the situation, the main opposition MDP – which holds a majority in the Parliament – amended the Parliament’s standing orders so that vacated seats aren’t counted when determining the total number of MPs. The state filed a case with the Supreme Court to nullify the amendments following which MDP, nullified its initial amendments and brought an amendment to another article, by including a new subsection comprising of the same content.

The first hearing in the case was held at the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The bench hearing the case clarified their queries during the hearing which spanned approximately two hours.

The bench chaired by Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir also includes Justice Aisha Shujoon, Justice Husnu al Suood, Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir and Justice Mohamed Ibrahim.

The case is proceeding without a respondent as the parliament is also represented by AG Office, the appellant; an arrangement the parliament has expressed no objection to.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court bench inquired whether any decision has been made in violation of the injunction issued by the court earlier at the request of AG Office, ordering the suspension of the amendment until it makes a final ruling. The state attorney, in response, affirmed this will be looked into, adding the minutes of all sittings held since the injunction will be submitted to the court.

Justice Azmiralda then stated that the judgment in the case will be next if the justices have no further questions regarding the documents that will be submitted.

“(We) conclude all the hearings in the case. However, if we feel the need to hold an additional hearing after we review the documents that will be submitted later, an additional hearing will be held in this case,” she said.

“If not, hopefully, the next hearing will be to conclude the case,” she added.

According to both amendments to the standing orders by MDP, the total number of MPs would now be 80, instead of 87.

MDP has warned they plan on filing a motion to impeach President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu before the current term ends in May, claiming they have collected enough signatures to file an impeachment.

With 56 MPs between MDP and Democrats which recently announced an alliance to work together in the parliament to hold the government accountable, they have the power to impeach the president and the vice president, if they wish.

Source(s): sun.mv

World

One-China principle anchor of peace across Taiwan Straits: Chinese FM

Published

2 hours ago

20/05/2024

The one-China principle is the solid anchor for peace across the Taiwan Straits, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks on the sidelines of the meeting of the SCO Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

No matter how the situation on the Taiwan island changes, it will not change the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is part of China, or the historical trend that China will inevitably be reunified, Wang added.

Recently, political leaders and people from all walks of life in many countries, including the SCO member states, have voiced their support for China’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence” and promoting reunification, which once again shows that the international community’s adherence to the one-China principle is unshakable, Wang said.

Any attempt to dispute or deny the one-China principle will only end in failure, he stressed.

Wang noted that the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulate that Taiwan, a Chinese territory stolen by Japan, shall be restored to China. These documents with international legal effect formed an integral part of the post-WWII international order and are also the collective memory of the international community, he added.

The separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” forces are the most serious challenge to the international order and the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wang said.

The one-China principle is the political premise on which China establishes and develops diplomatic relations with other countries, and also the solid anchor for peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wang said.

The Chinese nation always holds the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, its ethnic groups cannot be separated, and its civilization cannot be disrupted, Wang said.

Emphasizing that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, Wang said that realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation and also a historical trend that no force can stop.

Source(s): CGTN

News

Court warns against conviction rumors of FAM ex-President

Published

2 hours ago

20/05/2024

Criminal Court on Monday, has warned against spreading rumors or issuing public opiniong claiming conviction of Bassam Adeel Jaleel, former President of Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

The court warned against spreading such rumors since it has not arrived at verdict on Bassam’s case.

The former FAM President is facing money laundering charges for depositing USD 10,000 extended by FIFA, to his bank account, for personal use, which Prosecutor General’s Office claimed on April 18, 2024.

While his case is pending, Bassam has been facing constant slandering and libel on social media.

Criminal Court Judge Ismail Shafeeu on Monday’s order, said defendants have the right to be treated as innocent until convicted at a court of law, despite facing criminal allegations or charges.

Besides issuing the warning against slandering the former FAM president, the court declared any such attempts would be regarded as a contempt of court and will be held as an offense.

PG earlier claimed its investigations had found Bassam had bought and registered properties after siphoning money from FAM accounts, used the misappropriated funds for his own business ventures, family expenses and for trips abroad.

PG Office also confirmed it has not completed the investigation on the matter, adding it would be pressing additional charges as the investigation proceeds.

Apart from facing money laundering charges for mishanding FAM funds, Bassam earlier faced allegations of money laundering and graft related to MMPRC, which is is currently investigated by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Ministry confirms actions against unpermitted drone use

Published

2 hours ago

20/05/2024

The Ministry of Defense has announced that measures will be enforced against any drones flown across the Maldives without the required permits.

Moreover, the Ministry had previously urged individuals to seek permission before flying drones in areas near airports, as they could pose a threat to air traffic. However, it has recently observed flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in military security areas and near airports.

Furthermore, the Ministry further emphasised that permit applications should be submitted at least three days in advance, excluding non-governmental holidays, to ensure timely processing. It warned that strict actions would be implemented against those who operate drones without the necessary permits.

Source(s): PsmNews