Category: State & Policy
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When will it be the right time to talk about queer Dhivehin / Maldivians?
This essay by Burakashi explores the paradox faced by queer Maldivians who live in an idyllic tourist destination yet confront severe legal and societal repercussions for their identity. It consists of five parts detailing the oppressive environment created by historical and ongoing political and religious dynamics. Despite becoming a popular destination for queer tourists and…
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Maldivian TikTok personality arrested for crossdressing
A Maldivian TikTok content creator, Yaaya, was taken into custody by the Maldives Police for the third time after public outrage over their videos depicting them in feminine clothing. This follows a previous arrest and sentence for similar content. Yaaya has been placed on 15 days remand and claims a right to freedom of expression.
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Maldivian Press Translations – “Rusthum has admitted in court to blaspheming against Islam, the Prophet, and Allah the most holy” (11th May 2022 from Mihaaru News)
Translation of news article written by Mihaaru Reporter Niumathullah Idhurees on 11th May 2022. https://mihaaru.com/news/107970 https://web.archive.org/web/20220514144026/https://mihaaru.com/news/107970 Note: This translation does not reflect the views of laadheenee.com and is posted here to provide a more accessible English translation of the news article, and also to act as a resource on how the Maldivian press reports on…
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Maldivian Atheist arrested, tortured while in custody
Maldivian atheist Rusthum (twitter @RusthumRusso) was first arrested on 10th September 2019 and is still in police custody. Our sources inform us that Rusthum was arrested after he asked the Maldives Police Service for protection from the religious extremists on his island who were giving him death threats. He was subsequently released for a few…
The Laadheenee 