A 48 year-old man detained at the police custodial facility in Malé died on Sunday morning. Police said Ahmed Afrah, who was detained on Friday, was found motionless at 5:50am and taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital where he was declared dead. Police said the case was being investigated by the Major Crimes Department and Professional Standards Command, and notified to the Human Rights Commission.
The parliament’s minority group visited the Rasmalé land reclamation site, citing unsuccessful attempts to get project updates through parliament. MP Mauroof Zakir said only 100 hectares had been reclaimed in 600 days and that staff reported not being paid. The state media reported today that 129 hectares have been reclaimed out of the planned 1153.
Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim pledged support for the recent amendments to the Decentralisation Act that curtail the powers of local councils ahead of the upcoming elections. He argued that the Maldives is a unitary state and accused the opposition of using the Act’s provisions to portray the country as a federal state.
The People’s National Front, led by former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, announced plans to hold a mass rally in Malé on Thursday night under the slogan “Wake Up.” Party president Zeyn Abdulla Yameen told reporters on Saturday that the rally would be a nationwide event and urged people from across the country to take part, calling it a wake-up call.
Parliament’s human rights committee snubbed Mohamed Farish Thoha, one of two nominees for vacant seats on the Human Rights Commission, citing domestic violence allegations he denied during questioning. Members also noted he was unprepared for the interview. The second nominee, Mohamed Shafeeq, was approved after scoring over 75 percent marks from the committee.
The fisheries ministry opened applications for a three-month tuna fishing training programme for youth under 24, aimed at boosting young people’s involvement in the industry. Selected participants will receive a stipend and train under experienced fishermen, the ministry announced.
The Chinese ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xinahua met Male’ city mayor Adam Azim.
The agriculture ministry said it provided 1,159 trees to four islands in Shaviyani atoll under the government’s food security programme.
President Muizzu ratified changes to the Attorney General’s Office Act, to separate the institution from the civil service. The change would allow the AG office to change its organisational structure to hire lawyers and specialised staff at higher pay.