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MP Sinaan. (Photo/Parliament)

MP Sinaan saw court message but denies reading verdict

Sinaan’s lawyer Moosa Ali stated that although his client had received the message, he did not read the attached verdict.

13 July 2025
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Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinaan viewed the message sent to him by Hithadhoo Magistrate's Court on October 16 when the court ordered him to pay debt.

The Supreme Court on Sunday concluded hearings in a case involving Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Sinaan regarding the repayment of a loan taken from Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB).

The case concerns a judgment issued by the Hithadhoo Magistrate’s Court on 16 October, ordering Sinaan and three others to jointly pay MVR 2.5 million, the outstanding portion of a MVR 3.8 million loan obtained from MIB. The court had ordered the amount to be repaid in monthly instalments within six months.

According to records presented during the hearing, the Hithadhoo Magistrate’s Court sent its judgment to Sinaan via the Viber messaging application on the same day the verdict was issued. After confirming that the message was received, the court followed up with a phone call to notify him. Sinaan responded via Viber acknowledging receipt of the message.

However, during the Supreme Court hearing, Sinaan’s lawyer Moosa Ali stated that although his client had received the message, he did not read the attached verdict. He claimed that Sinaan only became aware of the judgment on 22 January 2025.

The lawyer added that MIB had also sent follow-up emails on 21 November 2024, which were not opened until after the bank initiated proceedings in the Supreme Court. After learning of the court order, Sinaan arranged for the repayment of the debt. MVR 1.7 million was paid on 13 February, with the remaining amount settled before the six-month repayment period expired.

The case was filed in the Supreme Court on 13 February 2025. The court is currently reviewing whether Sinaan failed to comply with the original judgment or whether his actions after learning about the order fulfil the court's requirement.

The five-judge bench presiding over the case includes Justice Aisha Shujoon (Chairperson), Justice Abdulla Hameed, Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim, Justice Ali Rasheed Ahmed, and Justice Hussain Shaheed. A judgment is expected following the conclusion of hearings.

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