Maldives to appeal order to return island seized over hidden weapons

The Maldives government has decided to appeal the Civil Court’s order to give back the island of Hibalhidhoo in Baa atoll to its initial owner, Business Maldives Company, after the state seized the island upon discovering a hidden stash of weapons and explosives.

Hibalhidhoo was awarded by the state to Business Maldives until the government terminated their contract last year over weapons and explosives found stashed in the island in November 2015. They were discovered during the investigation into the explosion aboard the presidential speedboat “Finifenma” in September 2015. The stash included weapons stolen from the state military armoury.