Police obtained a search warrant and seized the phone of an MDP national council member over an alleged threat against police officers posted on Facebook. Fathimath Zahiyya, president of the MDP's Hulhumalé North branch, accused police of intimidation and targeting opposition activists. She noted that police have not taken any action against a government supporter who called for MDP protesters to be shot and threatened to behead the person who operates the anonymous Hassan Kurusee account.
Six detainees from the MDP's protest on Friday launched a hunger strike, alleging unfair treatment, denial of medical care, and a delayed investigation, the party said. The Professional Standards Command is monitoring the situation and watchdog bodies have been notified, police said around 10pm. The six men have since eaten, police informed the media close to midnight.
Four members were elected unopposed to represent the media on the seven-member Media and Broadcasting Commission. Abdul Azeez Ibrahim Ali and Zamath Ahmed Waheed were elected to represent broadcasters. Simaha Naseem and Hussain Shaqeef were elected to represent print and online media. As the only eligible candidates to contest, the Elections Commission announced their election without conducting the polls scheduled for Saturday (October 11). Zamath was formerly a member of the Broadcasting Commission and Shaqeef was the president of the Media Council. Both regulatory bodies were dissolved following the ratification of the "media control law." Only 190 out of 313 media outlets registered to vote as many organisations boycotted the election.
TV presenter Nafiu Rasheed was among four men arrested over the exploitation of children, police revealed. They were arrested in a raid of an apartment in Henveiru and remanded for three days in custody. The victims were identified as two girls and two boys between the ages of 16 and 17.
A constitution amendment proposed by opposition MP Mohamed Ibrahim to make it mandatory for the auditor general to publicly disclose the asset declarations of cabinet ministers was accepted with the support of ruling party lawmakers. The MDP MP for Galolhu North also submitted a bill requiring asset disclosure from members of independent institutions and statutory bodies within 30 days of taking office and annually thereafter. The amendment covers JSC members, the police commissioner, and heads of key watchdog bodies with non-compliance carrying an MVR 5,000 (US$ 327) fine.
The SME Finance Development Corporation, a new subsidiary of the Bank of Maldives, decided to convert its loans to a shariah-compliant portfolio and to extend repayment terms for struggling small businesses.
On his ongoing tour of South Ari Atoll, President Muizzu designated the Uthuru Athafaru lagoon as part of Hangnaameedhoo. Addressing the community, he pledged to develop the nearby uninhabited island of Alikoe Rah for tourist excursions by Hangnaameedhoo guesthouse operators. The president announced projects to protect the island's coastline and build a boatyard. He also designated the Fofalha Gau lagoon as part of Kun’burudhoo following a proposal from residents over "the lack of space and facilities" on the small island.
In Maamigili earlier in the day, President Muizzu launched projects to expand the island's hospital and build a Bank of Maldives branch. He also inaugurated a new fire station and inspected progress on a police station. In Omadhoo, President Muizzu pledged support for "community-led projects" on three lagoons newly-designated as part of the island's jurisdiction. During the meeting with the Omadhoo community, he oversaw the signing of agreements for a multi-purpose school hall, a volleyball court, police station, health centre, council secretariat, and a fitness and recreation centre. In Mahibadhoo on his last stop for the day, Muizzu assured completion of land reclamation in Maafaru lagoon– "a major step towards transforming the island into a key urban centre" – and inaugurated a passport issuance service, marking the completion of the national identity card and passport services across all atolls.
President Muizzu announced plans to submit 27 bills to parliament this year, including a constitutional amendment for holding concurrent presidential and parliament elections (which would require a public referendum) as well as six bills on combating corruption. The latter legislation would seek to "eliminate all legal loopholes that undermine anti-corruption efforts and to ensure the effective eradication of corruption." Other bills include amendments to existing laws on money laundering, asset recovery and criminal justice procedures.
In his remarks in Mahibadhoo, President Muizzu declared his intention to launch a "comprehensive national project aimed at reviving the long-standing tradition of mutual respect among Maldivians."
