The Maldives Journalism Association filed a constitutional challenge at the High Court seeking to annul the "media control law." The legal action came after the new regulator ordered Adhadhu to remove a satirical cartoon and to halt its political cartoon segment. The association also sought an injunction against the order. MJA's lawyer argued the law violates constitutional freedom of expression. The commission is acting unlawfully without proper procedures or giving adequate opportunity for response, MJA President Naif told the press.
Former President Yameen filed a lawsuit against the Elections Commission challenging its decision to require the use of eFaas, the national digital identity system, for endorsement forms submitted by independent candidates contesting the upcoming local council elections. Speaking at a PNF rally, Yameen said that the commission lacks legal authority to mandate digital-only processes, noting that even courts require original documentary or oral evidence. He expressed confidence in winning the case if courts proceed, while acknowledging doubts about judicial independence. Former Home Minister Umar Naseer also raised concerns, writing to EC President Mohamed Zahid that requiring supporters to personally log into eFaas to verify their endorsements is unacceptable. Independent candidates must secure 50 verified signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Police arrested 10 individuals in connection with a scam involving compromised social media accounts, where MVR 279,600 (US$ 18,100) was stolen from a company bank account. The suspects, arrested from Malé, Addu City, and Hinmafushi, allegedly withdrew funds through ATMs and purchased goods with the stolen money. Courts have remanded the suspects for periods ranging from five to 15 days while the Anti-Scam Center investigates. In a separate case, police warned the public about a scam operation posing as an online jewellery store called "Raaya Malé." The fraudulent website lures customers with closing sales advertising discounts of up to 80 percent. When victims attempt to make a payment, they are redirected to a fake bank login page designed to harvest their internet banking credentials, which scammers then used to drain their accounts. Police urge anyone who has entered their details on the site to immediately contact their bank and block their cards. As a general reminder, police advise against clicking links on unfamiliar websites to access internet banking or entering OTPs on third-party pages.
The state-owned Maldives Gas refused to respond to allegations that it is purchasing gas from Villa Company due to shortages from imports. Sources told Raajje TV and Adhadhu that Maldives Gas currently lacks stock from STO and has been sourcing from Villa at US$ 12.97 per cylinder while retailing at MVR 200 (US$ 12.97), creating potential losses for the company. The next shipment is due in mid-February.
Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim submitted a question to Health Minister Abdullah Nazim regarding blood shortages at the Maldivian Blood Service. The inquiry seeks clarification on why a detailed database of blood donors and their blood groups has not been established, and why modern solutions to blood procurement challenges have not been implemented despite reports of shortages in six blood groups with particular concerns raised by thalassemia patients.
The Maldives national team lifted the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, securing the country's first international futsal title with a perfect record, winning all six matches and beating Sri Lanka 5-2 in the last game. Captain Imran Mohamed was the tournament's top scorer with nine goals.
The Criminal Court sentenced a man to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and reached a plea agreement with the state. Ibrahim Zihunee, from the Henveiru Finifenmaa house in Malé, was convicted for cannabis trafficking after drugs were found in his residence during a 2020 police operation. While the standard sentence for drug trafficking is life imprisonment or 25 years, his sentence was reduced to 12 years and six months along with an MVR 50,000 fine under the plea deal.
The National Disaster Management Authority launched "DALA," a digital platform for reporting and tracking disaster-related losses. Inaugurated by Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan, the platform digitises damage assessment, enables online reporting to relevant agencies, automatically generates loss statistics, and facilitates targeted aid distribution. It was developed with support from Denmark, Luxembourg, and South Korea through UNDP funding.
The Local Government Authority noted a surge in council job advertisements as local elections approach, with some councils hiring without required approvals. LGA CEO Mohamed Nimaal noted many complaints about councils misusing hiring permissions, particularly for mosque cleaning and sanitation positions. Under last year's Decentralisation Act amendments, councils must obtain approval from LGA, the finance ministry, and the Civil Service Commission before recruiting staff within one year of their term ending, a measure intended to prevent election influencing through job offers.
