The Prosecutor General's Office made a plea deal with a former political appointee who was facing 38 years in prison, withdrawing 16 of 23 counts of fraud to reduce the sentence to 88 days with a fine of MVR 184,000 (US$ 11,970). But the judge rejected Hussain Shifau's guilty plea at Thursday's hearing and decided to proceed with closing arguments. Shifau had been dismissed as a senior political director at the agriculture and animal welfare ministry in early 2024 after the fraud allegations emerged in the media. He is accused of using fake telegraphic transfer receipts to import US$ 123,844 worth of fruits and vegetables.
Despite the president declaring that the government does not have a stance in the October 25 referendum on creating separate councils in three islands of Addu City, Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi from the ruling PNC and his son Home Minister Ali Ihusan have been campaigning in favour of separation, Adhadhu reported. But PNC MP Ismail Nizar, who also represents Feydhoo, declared support for maintaining the single city council for the six islands of the southernmost atoll.
A new Guinness World Record for the most people snorkelling simultaneously was set in Baa atoll with 632 participants from 13 islands and 15 resorts. The Baani Event at Villingilifaru was organised by the atoll council in collaboration with Visit Maldives Corporation, the government's rebranded tourism promotion company.
The Indian High Commission pledged to resolve difficulties faced by Indian expatriates after the State Bank of India slashed the outward remittance limit from US$ 400 to US$ 150 a month. The reduction was was due to a "temporary shortage" of US dollars, according to the High Commission, which recognised difficulties faced by Indian nationals who earn salaries in Maldivian Rufiyaa.
The new passenger terminal at the Hanimaadhoo International Airport was brought into operation ahead of runway expansion. The India-funded US$ 136 million project to redevelop the airport in the northernmost atoll is expected to be completed in November.
The Maldives and Egypt signed an MoU on political consultations during Foreign Minister Khaleel's official visit, after which he delivered a joint statement with his counterpart. The MoU "formalises the consultation mechanism established between the two countries in 2019, providing a structured framework for regular dialogue on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest," according to the foreign ministry.
HDC ordered cafés in Hulhumalé to remove chairs and tables set up on pavements and roads.
