In the wake of Monday’s unprecedented raid on Adhadhu’s office, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission said it does not have the authority to dictate how police obtain evidence in investigations. The controversial regulator, formed last year, said its role is to formulate guidelines to “advance, develop and sustain” press freedom, including investigating media content and taking administrative action where necessary. On the same day, it introduced three new regulations on handling complaints, registering newspapers and magazines, and accrediting journalists covering protests. Under the new rules, complaints must be filed within 45 days, with seven days given for responses and appeals. Media outlets must register for five-year periods, renew registrations ahead of expiry or ownership changes, and ensure they have a declared owner and editor. Existing outlets have six months to update records and must submit annual reports by 30 June each year.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission ordered Channel 13 to stop live broadcasting the nightly protests by former President Yameen's People’s National Front. The scenes aired from the protest breach the code of conduct of journalists in the new Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, the commission said, adding that the TV station is under investigation.
Lightning struck a building in Hulhumalé Phase I, causing part of a wall near the cemetery to collapse, after severe thunderstorms swept the central atolls overnight. No injuries were reported. The Met office issued a yellow alert from Kaafu to Laamu atolls between midnight and 5am, warning of moderate thunderstorms, strong lightning and heavy rain as dense cloud bands moved over the central atolls. Power outages were reported in parts of Hulhumalé Phase I and Phase II, with the latter already experiencing recurring electricity issues this month. The Met office attributed the weather to active convective clouds over the central Indian Ocean. Sudden thunderstorms are common during the southwest monsoon transition period.
The Elections Commission issued a warning to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and People’s National Front, claiming that remarks made during their nightly protests breach “socially accepted norms,” and “spread hatred and incite discord.” In separate letters, the commission instructed both parties to refrain from “criticising the personal lives” of leaders, avoid “unfounded and false accusations” that could stir anger, and not hold gatherings in public spaces not authorised for assembly under the law.
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla dismissed a motion without notice submitted by MP Meekail Naseem regarding Monday night’s raid on Adhadhu offices, saying it not meet the conditions for such submissions.
At his first press conference, newly appointed Environment Minister Ali Shareef refused to apologise for past social media posts, but softened his stance on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he no longer views him as a “monster.”
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the repayment of a US$ 500 million sukuk earlier this month had boosted investor confidence and demonstrated that the Maldives would avoid default. Addressing questions on foreign currency flows, he acknowledged that dollar inflows fell by a third in April due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Saeed said the Bank of Maldives sold US$ 106.2 million for essential imports and business transactions in the first quarter of 2026, a 143 percent increase year-on-year. He added that US$ 38.5 million had been issued for telegraphic transfers up to April 16, and US$6.5 million was issued in April alone. Additionally, BML sold US$ 119.9 million for card transactions in the first quarter, up 23 percent from last year.
The environment ministry revised the zonation and details of the Vaavu Vattaru and Dhaalu Fushikandu protected areas.
Dr Ali Azwar, a long-term employee and current acting head of the State Electricity Company, was appointed as the company’s managing director.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed and Health Minister Geela Ali met to discuss challenges faced by police in addressing mental health-related cases and how to strengthen the delivery of mental health support services.
Infrastructure Minister Muththalib defended the Rasmalé project, saying it is necessary to meet housing demand over the next 20 years, as unallocated land in Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru can support only about 12,000 units. Responding to MP Meekail Naseem in parliament, he said development of the reclaimed areas would continue through state-owned companies, as securing additional funding remains difficult.
Ahmed Shareef Abdul Rahman Yoosuf was removed as the deputy managing director of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company.
