Justice Delayed: Fenaka Corruption Case Raises Questions of Unequal Treatment

The Maldives Criminal Court's handling of a corruption case involving state-owned Fenaka Corporation has sparked public debate over the fairness of the justice system. Former Fenaka Managing Director Ahmed Saeed was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a deal with Blazen Inc., a contract signed before his tenure. He was convicted a year ago. However, co-defendant Dheena, who was charged in the same case, was only recently found guilty – a full year after Saeed's conviction – and his sentencing has been repeatedly delayed. The latest hearing, scheduled for October 20, 2026, was postponed because the Maldives Correctional Service informed the court that Dheena was hospitalized and could not attend. Many in the public suspect that the disparity stems from Dheena's close family ties to a minister with strong links to President Muizzu, leading to accusations of political protection. In contrast, Saeed's case was handled swiftly and resulted in a prison term longer than the 1-year-7-month sentence sought by prosecutors, despite his claim that he acted on legal advice to protect the company's interests. The developments have prompted widespread questions about whether equal justice is being applied.