Saffah Faroog

I am a writer from the Maldives. I take an interest in human rights, environment, technology. design and social change.

Email Saffah Faroog

Latest posts by Saffah Faroog

Vibrant Maldives Eid Celebrations – Despite the Political Wrangling

  22 August 2012

When the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives announced that the 2012 morning Eid prayers in the capital Malé were to be celebrated in an open space, it created much controversy and debate. The news was met with skepticism from people who saw it as a political publicity stunt to show numbers, as support for the ruling government.

Maldives: Marred by Violence

  9 February 2012

The political crisis in the Maldives took an ugly turn Wednesday when the police brutally beat and injured supporters of the ousted President Mohamed Nasheed as they protested against what they claimed to be a coup that removed the island nation's first democratically elected president from power.

Maldives: President Resigns After Mutiny

  7 February 2012

Mohamed Nasheed, the president of Maldives most famously known as a climate champion, announced his resignation on Tuesday, after the military forces joined the police mutiny against his rule.

Maldives: On the Brink of Chaos

  7 February 2012

The Maldives is in a deep political crisis as the police force and some military personnel mutinied against the government in a follow-up to three weeks of protest by civilians. Details are emerging and there are frequent updates on Twitter.

Maldives: Rocked by Protests Over Economy

  7 May 2011

For seven consecutive days, thousands of residents of Male, the capital of Maldives, have protested on busy streets and public spaces, expressing their dissatisfaction over soaring prices of consumer goods and economic mismanagement of the government.

Maldives: In Solidarity with Egypt

  30 January 2011

The ongoing protests in Egypt have ‘electrified’ netziens in the Maldives. These uprisings have a special significance to the Maldivians as it brings back flashbacks of pro-democracy protests held only a few years ago to bring democracy to the Indian Ocean island nation.

Maldives to Egypt: Can a Revolution be Censored?

  30 January 2011

When the Egyptian government decided to go for a total Internet shutdown of the country to curb the growing anti-government protests, people in the Maldives were reminded of 13 August, 2004, when the government of Maldives blocked Internet in the country following a massive pro-democracy demonstration.

Maldives: Romance with Democracy at Stake

  21 July 2010

On June 29, 2010, the whole Cabinet of the government of the Maldives submitted their resignation. Thus began a highly politicized drama in the Maldives; one that threatens the country’s romance with democracy, and poses serious questions about the political stability in the coming days.

Maldives: Gearing up for Copenhagen

  11 October 2009

A series of events and activities are being organized in the Maldives to bring the attention of the world to the plight of Maldives being affected by climate change. Maldivians hope that a fair deal will be made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen scheduled for December 2009.

Maldives: Journalists at Risk

  26 July 2009

At least three journalists in the Maldives have been subjected to either physical or verbal abuse and psychological intimidation within a span of the last 10 days. The recent cases of intimidation and abuse against journalists by various groups in the society indicate that journalists are still at risk in Maldives.

Maldives: The First Free Parliamentary Election

  20 May 2009

The Maldives has witnessed significant political changes in the last five years: introduction of political parties in 2005; ratification of an amended constitution in August 2008; and the first multi-party election held in October 2008 which brought a democratic government. Hence, the parliamentary election held on May 9 was crucial as the new parliament will be entrusted with the task of passing key laws that will be a milestone in the country’s transition to democracy.

Maldives: Free Speech Under Threat

  23 March 2009

In early March Mohamed Nasheed, the new President of the Maldives, met with Frank La Rue, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression. In the meeting Nasheed expressed his government’s commitment to free speech and announced that Maldives will be made a haven for dissident writers from...