The Maldives Journalists Association hosted an open mic public forum at the artificial beach in Malé against the "media control bill," warning the public that the proposed law could target free expression on social media, which both the attorney general and majority leader of parliament denied as political appointees launched a counter-campaign in favour of the legislation.
Dhonfanu residents protesting at sea against the president’s decision to scrap promised land reclamation attempted to obstruct tourists from diving near the island. Last week, the council prohibited snorkelling and diving within 700 metres of the reef, citing safety concerns. But the Local Government Authority overruled the "unlawful" order.
M D Saddam Hussain, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi man, was arrested on suspicion of illegally selling cigarettes. A large amount of cigarette packs, tobacco, filters and rolling papers along with more than MVR 53,000 (US$ 3,400) in cash were found in his possession when he was stopped and searched near the Hulhumalé jetty, police said.
A year after 50-year-old Zakiyya Moosa was found dead in her home in Noonu Holhudhoo, protesters called for justice and accountability over alleged police negligence in the investigation. Despite a "virtual autopsy” concluding that suicide had been the cause of death, protesters alleged murder and accused police officers of tampering with the crime scene before a forensic team arrived from Malé.
The civil court ordered SGM Pvt Ltd to pay MVR 20.7 million owed as unpaid import duties for a cigarette shipment illegally taken out of a customs bonded warehouse in 2018.
Former president Nasheed backed the proposed reduction of pension and allowances for former presidents.
The president welcomed the UN General Assembly's endorsement of the New York Declaration on the "Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." The Maldives was among the 142 nations that voted in favour of the resolution.
