The tipping point for democratic change in the Maldives was the national outrage over prison torture. So why are the cells still fundamentally the same?

In Episode 25 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by Adhadhu journalists Shahuzan and Leevaan. They bravely detail the inhuman treatment, the psychological toll, and the shocking physical conditions they endured while jailed.

This is a chilling, necessary look at the reality of the Maldivian penal system. We explore why true reform is still missing, the historical parallels to our democratic uprising, and the ongoing risks faced by reporters fighting for the truth.

Listen to the full, hard-hitting conversation now. A Dhauru original production.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBidoldzhTM

What is really holding Addu City back?

In Episode 24 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by a man whose political career is deeply intertwined with the south: Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe).

As a three-term Mayor, former State Minister for Addu Development, and the current MDP candidate for the Hithadhoo Uthuru by-election, Sobe brings a wealth of insider knowledge to the table. We dive straight into the persistent roadblocks to Addu's growth, discussing why successive administrations have struggled to deliver on their promises to the southern hub. Sobe lays out his vision for the future, explaining what needs to change at a systemic level to finally unlock Addu's economic potential.

Tune in for an essential deep dive into the politics and future of the south. A Dhauru original production.

Is the Maldivian criminal justice system being hijacked for political gain?

In Episode 23 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem for an unfiltered look into the state of our courts and law enforcement.

We dive straight into the systematic tactics driving modern political witch-hunts, exposing the reality of fake police intelligence reports and the manufacturing of artificial evidence. Shameem explains exactly why the recent wave of gag orders is deeply problematic for a democratic society, the vital importance of a strong defense, and his roadmap for genuine judicial reform to make the system fairer for everyone.

Listen to the full, hard-hitting conversation now. A Dhauru original production.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed takes the mic for a highly anticipated Episode 22 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa.

Running for the MDP Chairperson seat, Nasheed is back with a bold new vision. In this exclusive conversation, he breaks down his 'Bodu Badhalu' reform agenda, his comprehensive plan to reform the constitution and completely change the style of governance in the Maldives.

We don't just talk politics. Nasheed opens up about the hard lessons he learned during his time away from MDP, shares personal life advice specifically tailored for Gen Z and young Maldivians, and dives deep into the economy. With the nation facing an unprecedented financial crisis, he outlines his strategies for economic diversification and why immediate debt restructuring is the only way forward.

Listen to the full, unfiltered conversation now. A Dhauru original production.

Happy May Day. But is there actually a reason to celebrate for the average Maldivian worker?

In this special May Day episode of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir sit down with prominent labor rights advocate Fathimath Zimna to uncover the harsh realities facing employees across the Maldives.

We tackle the everyday struggles of the working class: the culture of job insecurity, the fear of political dismissals, and the roadblocks employers place on staff trying to earn a living wage through secondary work. Why are our employment laws failing to protect us, and how can workers' unions actually tip the scales toward justice?

Tune in for a powerful conversation on what it will truly take to secure fair treatment for every worker. A Dhauru original production.

For the very first time on Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, a government official has accepted our invitation to go on the record.

In this milestone Episode 20, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir sit down with Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu). We are addressing the elephant in the room: the aftermath of the April 4th elections. We dive straight into how the administration is interpreting the message from the voters, the controversies surrounding political appointments and the cabinet reshuffle, and ultimately, whether the government's trajectory is actually going to shift.

Listen in for an exclusive, unfiltered conversation where the state finally answers back. A Dhauru original production.

Is the Maldivian government truly committed to transparency, or is the Right to Information just an inconvenience?

In Episode 19 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir sit down with Information Commissioner Ahid Rasheed for a candid conversation about the reality of accountability in the Maldives.

The current government's legislative agenda includes amending the existing RTI Act—a law widely considered one of the strongest in the region. But as Ahid Rasheed points out, why fix a law that isn't broken? We explore why the real hurdle isn't the legislation itself, but a severe lack of political will from the top to actually ensure citizens get the information they ask for.

Tune in for an unfiltered look at the systemic hurdles of getting public data, the mindset of our institutions, and what it will take to protect your right to know. A Dhauru original production.

Dr Ali Najeeb - Villa College

EP 12 | Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa: Is the Local Governance Model Failing?

Moosa Latheef Podcast: Lawyer Siman