Two constitutional challenges were filed at the Supreme Court against amendments proposed to shorten the current parliamentary term to align the next elections with the 2028 presidential elections. In one petition, opposition MDP lawyer Aik Ahmed Esa asked the apex court to rule that the referendum question put to voters under the presidential decree is unclear, arguing that it asks whether voters approve of the president ratifying the constitutional amendment rather than the actual constitutional change itself. In a separate petition, former MP Ali Hussain asked the court to rule that the bill has become obsolete because the 15-day deadline for the president to ratify a constitutional amendment has expired. He said he would also seek a ruling to cancel the April 4 referendum since it was based on a nullified amendment.
The Attorney General’s Office defended the referendum question set out in the president’s decree, saying it complies with the constitution and the Public Referendum Act. The question seeks public approval to ratify a constitutional amendment that revises how the parliamentary term is counted, and therefore meets the constitutional requirement to obtain voter approval for changing parliament’s term, the AG Office said. The statement came after former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood argued that the question was invalid and unclear because it asks voters to approve ratification of an amendment without clearly stating the amendment itself.
Hassan Fawaz, accused of masterminding the 2023 murder of Naeema Moosa in Noonu Manadhoo, was released to house arrest on medical grounds. The Prosecutor General’s Office said Fawaz – who is reportedly a thalassaemia patient – was released after the Maldives Correctional Service informed the office that it was difficult to provide adequate treatment for his condition, taking into account his medical history and the seriousness of his symptoms. His release is subject to several conditions, including not committing any offences, attending all court hearings, remaining at home between 6pm and 8am except for medical treatment, signing in daily at the nearest police station, not leaving Malé, avoiding contact or interference with witnesses, and submitting medical treatment documents every 15 days.
India and Maldives agreed terms of reference for negotiations on a free trade agreement.
Former FAM president Bassam Adeel Jaleel, who is serving a 32-year sentence for embezzling US$ 1.2 million in FIFA funds and money laundering, was transferred back to jail following criticism of his release. A corrections spokesperson said he had been temporarily transferred to house arrest following a surgery but was taken back to custody once arrangements were made for him to continue treatment in prison.
The salaries of permanent staff at Maldives Customs and Maldives Correctional Service were raised under changes made to the national pay framework last year.
The Prosecutor General’s Office appealed a Criminal Court ruling that a US$ 1 million cheque issued by the Football Association of Maldives to Amin Construction was a currency exchange transaction, rather than money laundering used to buy apartments at Amin Avenue. The PG said it has asked the appellate court to review the ruling, hear testimony from state witnesses the lower court had refused to admit, and determine that the transaction amounted to money laundering. The office is also separately appealing the Criminal Court’s decision to acquit Amin Construction of money laundering charges.
Hanimadhoo Council filed a police complaint over the allocation of land for residents of Hirimaradhoo, who are set to be relocated under a government plan. Police said the complaint concerns an administrative dispute between two state bodies and does not involve a criminal offence. They added that the parties had been advised to seek a civil remedy through legal channels.
