A public gathering was held in Vaadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, demanding justice for former Fenaka Managing Director Ahmed Saeed, amid accusations that President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration had issued a politically motivated verdict against him.

On September 28, the Criminal Court found Saeed guilty of misusing his official position and sentenced him to four years in prison. This sentence exceeded the state’s own request, which sought a prison term of one year and seven months.

Residents of Vaadhoo emphasized that the gathering was not a political demonstration or an anti-government rally, but a collective call for justice for an individual deeply respected within the community. Participants described Saeed as a person who has long served and sacrificed for the people of Vaadhoo and condemned the ruling as unjust.

Throughout the gathering, attendees expressed their frustration and concern through placards and slogans such as “Injustice will not succeed, God willing,” “Delayed justice is justice denied,” and “Saeed must receive justice! Without justice, there can be no peace.” The demonstrators called for a fair trial, an end to politically influenced verdicts and condemned what they described as the excessive punishment handed down by the court.

The event drew a large turnout, with participants collectively demanding Saeed’s release and urging authorities to correct what they view as a miscarriage of justice.

Saeed was convicted under Article 513(b) with reference to (c) of the Maldives Penal Code for alleged misuse of official capacity. The case centered on a settlement agreement signed on 30 January 2018, prior to Saeed’s tenure as Managing Director, which aimed to improve Fenaka Corporation’s public image and manage its communications and public relations.

During the trial, Saeed explained that both the settlement and retainer agreements were executed based on formal legal advice and that the contractor, Blazon, had been unable to fulfill its obligations due to Fenaka’s lack of cooperation. He stated that the agreements were necessary to prevent Fenaka from facing substantial financial liabilities in the event of a legal dispute following contract termination.

In his defense, Saeed presented two witnesses, Ahmed Arif, who served as Fenaka’s Head of Legal during the relevant period, and Amjad Ahmed, also from the legal department. Both witnesses confirmed in court that they had advised Saeed on entering into the agreements.

Despite this testimony, the court proceeded with the conviction, intensifying public criticism over what many in Vaadhoo view as an unjust and politically driven ruling.