President Muizzu ratified legal changes to enact a “generational ban” on tobacco products, prohibiting smoking for individuals born after January 1, 2007. The ban takes effect in November. The revised tobacco control law also bars persons under the age of 21 from any tobacco-related sales or commercial activities. At the ratification event, Muizzu told the press he had no intention of reviewing hefty fines for vaping, despite Customs casting doubt on collecting some individual fines of up to MVR 40 million (US$ 2.5 million).
After protests against indefinite pre-trial detention, the Prosecutor General's office announced a review of cases to release suspects with electronic monitoring devices and court-ordered conditions. The police and corrections will assess public safety risks to determine the level of monitoring required.
The broadcasting regulator's staff went on strike, walking out in protest against the suspension of the secretary general for “disrespecting the commission.” The suspension came after the Broadcasting Commission's staff submitted a petition to parliament accusing members of interfering with administrative operations.
An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the theft of two mobile phones after the assault of two men in Hulhumalé, both of whom required treatment for injuries. The court ordered the suspect's detention for trial.
The National Boating Association raised concern over the removal of safari vessels from the Hulhumalé harbour for land reclamation work. Citing the risks of relocation and anchorage amid the rough seas and strong winds of the southwest monsoon, the association urged the government to postpone the move until "a designated and safe alternative harbour area" could be identified.
The High Court ruled against pre-trial detention for seven men charged with the murder of Mohamed Anas in 2017, despite a Supreme Court to review a previous High Court decision. The court decided against holding the men in custody pending the outcome of an appeal of their acquittals last year.
The Malé City Council unveiled plans for a new park after the dismantling of the Maafannu cemetery.
The Mathiveri island council offered a cash reward of MVR 50,000 (US$ 3,200) for anyone who memorises the Quran.
Maldives and Cyprus signed an MOU on strengthening thalassaemia care services.