Ali Aanim Mufeed, 29, was arrested over posts on X that police say incited violence amid protests by journalists against a media regulation bill. The posts called for a “revolution” and street disruptions and to “normalise the talk of torching buildings”. He faces charges of encouraging acts of terrorism in addition to disorderly conduct.
The International Federation of Journalists condemned a controversial bill proposed to create a “super media regulator” with extensive punitive powers. The lack of consultation with the industry reflects a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the role such a body should play, the IFJ said, as the Maldives Media Council decided to categorically reject the bill.
HDC signed an agreement to complete and operate the unfinished city hotel in Hulhumalé, which would also accommodate a media village, Qaumiyathu Institute, and the national university's medical college. The five-star, 158-room Manhattan Grand Hotel is to be completed within four months.
President Muizzu vetoed an amendment to the Thalassaemia Control Act, citing concerns raised by the Maldives Blood Services as well as thalassaemia patients and their families. The bill was returned to parliament for reconsideration.
British-Spanish actor Taz Skylar was announced as a Global Ambassador to promote Maldives tourism.
Bodufolhudhoo council president Shujau Adam urged President Muizzu to reconsider recent moves to curtail the powers of local councils, including plans to downsize councils on smaller islands and abolish atoll councils. He made the remarks during Muizzu’s visit to the island as part of his tour of Alif Alif atoll. Mohamed Shafeeq, secretary general of the Alif Alif atoll council and an opposition activist, was meanwhile suspended over social media posts criticising the government.
Sultan Park was closed off for three months for renovations.
The environment ministry signed agreements to build waste management centres in Kaafu Maafushi, Kaafu Thulusdhoo, Alif Dhaal Hangnameedhoo and Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo.
An old Villa vessel was sunk near Maamigili to serve as a shipwreck attraction for tourists.
On his ongoing tour of Alif Alif atoll, President Muizzu inaugurated land reclamation to develop an airport in Mathiveru and pledged to build 50 housing units in Bodufolhudhoo, where he also laid foundations for a handball court, school facilities, and a health centre expansion with X-ray services, and announced plans to hand over reclaimed land to the council. In Thoddoo, he inaugurated sewage services, opened a new dollar ATM, laid foundations for a bank, police station, council office, and an indoor badminton court, oversaw the signing of a new jetty agreement, announced seaplane services from February, and pledged a 30-bed hospital for the island.
