The UN human rights chief appealed for the repeal of the media regulation law, calling its "overly broad content restrictions" and the new regulator's "intrusive powers" incompatible with the Maldives' obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. "The new law follows a worrying erosion of institutional checks and balances in the past year," the High Commissioner's office observed.
The MDP's president and chairperson briefed EU ambassadors based in Colombo on "the deteriorating political situation and governance situation” in the country, alleging "blatant overreach and political interference in independent institutions, serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement, suppression of media and free expression through the media control bill and erratic and irresponsible shifts in foreign and domestic policy." The opposition delegation's visit came after government officials also travelled to Sri Lanka to defend the media regulation law. After meeting with diplomatic missions and hosting Sri Lankan journalists at the Maldives High Commission in Colombo, the three-member team flew to India, Adhadhu reported.
Addressing the people of Thaa Kinbidhoo during his ongoing tour of four atolls, President Muizzu assured the construction of a causeway to the neighbouring island of Veymandoo as pledged during his campaign. The government has invited bids to select developers for the project, which will be implemented as part of an "integrated tourism" initiative, he said.
Four individuals were arrested in Hulhumalé with 363 pills of controlled substances along with 24 grams of suspected drugs and more than MVR 4,500 (US$ 292) in cash. The criminal court remanded one suspect for 10 days and the rest for 15 days.
Indian airline Indigo announced daily direct flights between Malé and Thiruvananthapuram.
Police completed the investigation into the fatal stabbing of a 29-year-old man in Laamu Maavah on July 28. The case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office to seek murder charges against Mohamed Ibrahim, 29, from Haa Dhaalu Nolhivranfaru, who remains in custody pending trial.
The Elections Commission opened applications to contest for membership of the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
