Azmiralda pushback, fisheries resignations and integrated tourism

Supreme Court Justice Azmiralda Zahir sought a police investigation against Anti-Corruption Commission President Adam Shameel, accusing him of falsely informing the judicial watchdog that she was under investigation in order to provide a pretext for suspension. Azmiralda’s lawyer meanwhile submitted 28 pieces of evidence in her defence in an ongoing inquiry over alleged ethical misconduct.

Deputy Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shafiu resigned along with MIFCO Deputy Manager Ibrahim Saeed. Both served as spokespersons.

President Muizzu removed the uninhabited island of Kadevarehaa from the jurisdiction of Gaaf Dhaal Hoan’dedhdhoo to facilitate an integrated tourism development project.

A 34-year-old man was arrested from Haa Alif Hoarafushi following intelligence reports of involvement in sorcery. The island’s magistrate court remanded him into custody for five days.

Mohamed Shimal was appointed to lead the Maldives Marine Research Institute as its new director general.

A man who sustained critical injuries in a fire in Alif Alif Rasdhoo was taken off the ventilator ahead of transfer for treatment abroad.

A fire that broke out on a cargo boat before it sank on Thursday was likely caused by a short circuit, according to the boat’s owner, who estimated damages of MVR 5 million (US$ 324,250).

Tourist arrivals reached 667,730 by Saturday, up 5.8 percent from the same period last year. China remains the top market, followed by the UK and Russia.

Police, immigration and customs officers took part in an "Investigative Techniques Workshop" organised by the US department of homeland security.

A salt production factory in Haa Alif Dhihdhoo, built by a joint venture between Maldivian and Japanese companies, was completed and opened. The factory will produce three types of salt for local sale and distribution to resorts.

The cat shelter in Hulhumalé took in 15 stray cats during the holidays, bringing the total number of cats under its care to 30, according to the animal welfare ministry.

Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla reaffirmed Maldives' commitment to the Bandung Principles of Non-alignment at a conference held on the sidelines of the Inter-parliamentary Union Assembly in Uzbekistan, stressing that non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and cooperation in trade and culture were essential to tackling global challenges.

The President’s Office opened applications to fill a vacant position on the Maldives Broadcasting Commission.