The Iranian embassy in Sri Lanka accused former President Nasheed of taking Israel's side against the Islamic republic. The diplomatic rebuke came after Nasheed voiced support for Iranians protesting for "dignity and relief from crushing cost of living and decades of repression," and called on Muslims and the international community to "stand with the Iranian people, and not protect the regime." The embassy countered by claiming the unrest was orchestrated by Mossad-affiliated elements with US support. "On which side of this situation do you stand?" it asked.
Over the past five years, more than MVR 300 million (US$ 19.4 million) and US$ 400,000 rolled through the accounts of four suspects arrested on Sunday on suspicion of drug trafficking and money laundering, police revealed. Shaffah Latheef (28), Ahmed Madheeh (33), Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim (30), and Noorun Nizam (35), all of whom were arrested in Gaaf Alif Villingili, were the suspected leaders of a drug trafficking network active since 2015, police said. Anaam was identified as a senior political director at the economic ministry. The arrests followed an investigation launched in March last year, which identified 19 members of the group, police said. Millions passed through their accounts despite official annual salaries under MVR 500,000.
Police began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against national volleyball coach Sofwan Ahmed, who was suspended from coaching duties by the Volleyball Association last year pending the outcome of an internal inquiry. He is accused of attempting to coerce a female player into an inappropriate relationship. Volleyball legend Ahmed Nadeem has temporarily assumed coaching responsibilities.
Ahmed Samah Rasheed, who was sacked as managing director of STELCO for undisclosed reasons, was placed under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission. A purported recording of a conversation with Samah meanwhile leaked online on Sunday evening. He is heard saying that STELCO bosses would "weep" if they knew of his embezzlement schemes. But Samah has dismissed the audio clip as "fake."
The 2026 Golden Globe Awards gift bags, valued at nearly US$1 million, include luxury stays at multiple Maldivian resorts among their curated offerings. Winners and presenters can choose from experiences including four nights at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's underwater residence The Muraka, three nights at Hilton Maldives Amingiri's six-bedroom villa, or three nights at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, alongside yacht charters in Indonesia, rare French wines, and wellness treatments.
The Civil Court ordered the Dhidhdhoo Hotel in Hulhumalé to vacate its premises within 15 days following a rental dispute between building owner Naeema Adam and hotel operator Moosa Naseer. Naeema claimed the lease expired on December 31, 2023, and that despite extensions, Naseer had failed to vacate or pay rent. But Naseer claimed there was a verbal agreement with Naeema's husband to extend the lease for three additional years. The court ruled that Naseer failed to prove the husband had authority to make such agreements and rejected his claim for MVR 2 million (US$ 130,000) in renovation costs and business losses.
Dr Ikram Abdussattar, a candidate for Adhaalath Party's presidency, submitted a complaint to the Elections Commission requesting the cancellation of electronic voting for the January 31 internal election, alleging potential manipulation by the current leadership. Ikram, who is running against incumbent Deputy President Sheikh Mohamed Shifan, claims his opponents could interfere with the online voting system, urging instead for a traditional paper ballot election to ensure transparency.
The higher education ministry said it has spent MVR 1.2 billion on student loans from 2024 to 2025 amid criticism that students face severe financial hardship, administrative chaos, and mental health impacts due to months-long payment delays, lost documentation, and unresponsive communication from authorities. The ministry spent MVR 548 million in 2025.
The Union of Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen welcomed the government starting to purchase yellowfin tuna, calling it "a good beginning" and expressing hope that the price settled after consultation will be paid for small and rejected tuna, and that MIFCO will start buying large tuna as soon as possible as pledged by the president.
MTCC announced walk-in interviews for candidates to join the Malé Taxi Service as part-time drivers. Interviews will be held on Saturday at the Maafannu Bus Terminal from 10am to 6pm.
MDP MP Meekail Naseem submitted a formal question to the parliament for Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel regarding the conduct of Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad, saying his comments to Sri Lankan media reflect tactlessness and poor judgment and warrant his immediate recall. Imad met opposition leader Namal Rajpaksa last week following criticism over the former's complaints to the Daily News last week about the alleged mistreatment of Maldivians by Sri Lankan Immigration officials.
