The impeachment of two Supreme Court justices "raises serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary," the UN human rights office said. Earlier in the day, it emerged that two judges on the Judicial Service Commission who voted against the dismissals could be facing investigation over alleged ethical misconduct. According to media reports, a JSC committee revived three old cases against judges Mohamed Niyaz and Farhad Rasheed – who represent the High Court and trial courts, respectively, on the 10-member watchdog – despite previously having determined that the complaints did not warrant an ethics probe. The committee is preparing to present the cases to the commission.
President Muizzu won a WHO special recognition award for tobacco control. On the previous day, the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates cautioned that the planned generational ban on smoking could result in “unintended consequences” such as unregulated markets and consumption of “harmful and substandard illicit products.”
President Muizzu ratified changes made to the sports law to form regional associations, create a dedicated fund and establish an anti-doping agency. The revised law recognises the Maldives Paralympic Committee, introduces an arbitration system and organises school sports with “inter-scholastic” associations and clubs. At the ratification ceremony, the president stressed the decentralisation of sports development as the most impactful change.
The Information Commissioner’s Office shifted to remote work and online services over unusable toilets at the decrepit building and health risks posed by mould.
During a meeting with fisheries industry representatives, President Muizzu committed to increasing the fish purchasing price to MVR 20 (US$1.3) per kilo as pledged during his campaign.
The tourism minister officially opened the Barcelo Nasandhura Hotel in Malé's waterfront.
Police began investigating the “Just Married” wedding decoration service following complaints on social media and the alleged scamming of multiple customers. The group’s Facebook post was deactivated in the wake of media reports.
Employees of the Broadcasting Commission submitted a petition to parliament accusing commission members of interfering with administrative operations and disregarding laws and regulations.
The president ratified legal changes to limit by-elections required by frequent vacancies on local councils and Women’s Development Committees.
Customs seized 1kg of cocaine from a passenger who arrived at the Velana International Airport.
A Maldivian man rescued from drowning was placed on ventilator support at the IGMH intensive care unit.