Maldives this week: 5 - 11 December
Last week's key headlines.
On 11 December, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 218 new COVID-19 cases, increasing the total number of cases in the country to 93,064 cases.
On 10 December, the opposition Proressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress held a rally titled 'Kotharu Koshi.'
On 9 December, the Elections Commission approved the commencement of work to establish the National Integration Party.
On 9 December, the parliament committee on independent institutions approved removal of all members of the Anti-Corruption Commission, following a performance audit conducted through the Auditor General's Office.
On 9 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sought approval from the parliament on the Maldives to accept the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Protocol Amending the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
On 9 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih participated in the Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden
On 7 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated a Joint Interagency Operation Center (JIOX) to coordinate efforts against terrorism and extremism.
On 7 December, the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture commenced a 6-month long ocean use survey. It said that the survey will provide input to a marine spatial plan.
On 7 December, Vice President Faisal Naseem concluded his visit to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Indian Ocean Conference 2021.
On 6 December, the Criminal Court ruled not to extend a travel ban on former President Abdulla Yameen in the charges against him on allegations of money laundering in the Fuggiri case.
On 6 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the first amendment to the Sexual Offences Act, which refines rape, sexual injury and sexual assault to extend the offences to married couples.
On 6 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the first amendment to the Sole Proprietorship Act, which stipulates that registration will be revoked if the Registrar of Companies finds a business operating to serve the interests of a non-Maldivian.
On 6 December, the Ambassador of Austria to the Maldives Katharina Wieser and the Ambassador of Tunisia to the Maldives Hayet Talbi Bilel presented their letters of credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
On 5 December, the opposition said that discussions are being held to expand its 'IndiaOut' campaign across the country.
On 5 December, the Health Protection Agency confirmed the first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the Maldives.
On 5 December, the Maldives National Defence Force announced the start of a joint military exercise with the Indian military.
