Court orders removal of safari selling alcohol near Ukulhas

Zed Cruiser safari in Ukulhas harbor. -- Photo: Ukulhas council

Zed Cruiser safari in Ukulhas harbor. -- Photo: Ukulhas council

Alif Alif Ukulhas magistrate court has ordered a safari selling alcohol to leave the island’s harbor within 24 hours.

Some islanders had last week angrily protested amidst allegations that the safari was selling alcohol to inhabitants of the island.

“We received several complaints saying that the safari was providing alcohol to people on the island,” Ukulhas council president Shaukath Ibrahim told Adhadhu.

Despite the complaints, the safari entered the island’s harbor without the council’s permission prompting an angry reaction from some people.

Last week, protesters blocked the main gate of the council office with a small boat and blocked the entrance to the harbor.

Boat blocks entrance to council office.
Boat blocks entrance to council office.

Boat blocks entrance to council office.

Some tourists who were holidaying on the popular local island were unable to travel to the airport and missed their flight out of the country.

According to the Ukulhas businesses which operate the rented safari, they brought the safari close to the island to repair work.

However, the council decided to seek a court order for “Zed Cruiser” removal because they did not get permission before entering the harbor.

It is unlawful to sell alcohol on the inhabited islands of Maldives. But there are some safaris selling alcohol to tourists staying in guesthouses on these islands.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Government strips Male’ City Council of all key land plots

The Maldivian government has stripped the Male’ City Council of 14 land plots, including Sultan Park and Rasfannu, for urban development projects. This move follows recent legal amendments allowing the Cabinet to reclaim land for national infrastructure. Critics have condemned the action, calling it a blow to the decentralization system.

Ambassador meets UAE official amid detention of Maldivian pilots

Maldivian Ambassador Thoriq Ibrahim met with a UAE official following the detention of two Maldivian pilots linked to an alleged plot to crash a Flydubai flight. The pilots have reportedly been denied legal counsel and family contact. While the meeting focused on mutual interests, specific details regarding the detainees were not disclosed.

Maldivian man arrested for leading alcohol distribution network

Maldivian national Mohamed Rashwan Abbas was arrested for allegedly leading a major alcohol distribution network in Malé. Police seized 826 bottles during a raid and arrested three expatriate employees who claim they acted under his orders. Abbas, who denies the charges, has been remanded in custody for 15 days.

Govt has not authority to grant land ownership to foreigners: MDP

The MDP opposition party claims the Maldivian government lacks the legal authority to grant land ownership to foreigners without a national referendum. They expressed concern over a lack of transparency regarding a major lagoon deal with a UAE firm. The party demands full disclosure of the agreement's terms and potential land rights.

Court registers case seeking to overturn Adhadhu restrictions

The Civil Court has registered a lawsuit by news outlet Adhadhu to overturn a ban preventing its journalists from attending presidential press conferences. The suit argues the exclusion violates constitutional rights to press freedom and information. This legal action follows a May incident where a reporter was removed over a specific question.

Two Maldivian pilots deprived of their rights for 12 days in UAE

Two Maldivian pilots are being held in the UAE for an alleged plot to down a Flydubai flight to Israel. Authorities have reportedly denied the detainees access to legal counsel, family contact, or consular visits for 12 days. This lack of transparency violates international treaties, yet the Maldivian government has not issued a statement.

FDC issues first evictions at Hulhumalé flats

The Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation has issued its first eviction notices for two Hulhumalé flats due to unpaid rent. Owners were given 135 days and multiple notices to settle debts before their agreements were voided. They now have 15 days to vacate the units, highlighting ongoing challenges with rent collection in social housing projects.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox