Attorney General Ahmed Usham has decided to nullify and terminate nine settlement agreements made between private companies during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration for compensation.

Shortly after taking office, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu dissolved the Settlement Committee. This was based on the Attorney General's advice that the "Principles for Resolving Issues Arising from Agreements between the Government and Private Parties" had been implemented since November 28, 2022, without a legal framework or authority.

After dissolving this policy, the President sent the cases where settlement agreements were signed under it to the Attorney General's Office for review.

The Parliament's Public Finance Committee, after studying the agreements signed under this policy, found them to be invalid from their inception and recommended to the Attorney General and relevant authorities to take all necessary legal steps to nullify these agreements, recover any compensation already paid, and take action against involved parties.

In a press release today, the Attorney General's Office stated that their review found the policy to be in violation of the Constitution and laws of the Maldives. The decisions made and settlement agreements signed under this policy were determined to be arbitrary decisions made without the Attorney General's input, benefiting certain parties unjustly.

Therefore, the Attorney General has decided that the nine settlement agreements signed under this policy are invalid and unenforceable, and has informed relevant state institutions of this decision today.

The nullified agreements include:

1. An agreement with Leisure Beach Pvt Ltd regarding V. Foththeyobodufushi

2. Compensation agreements with Umet Construction (MVR26 million), Dheebaja Investment Pvt Ltd (MVR 64 million), and Amsan & Food Beverage Pvt Ltd (MVR 5.1 million)

3. An agreement with Exotic Properties to lease N. Ekudhivarufinolhu for 99 years in exchange for N. Raafushi

4. An agreement with Clear Sands Pvt Ltd regarding Th. Vanbadhi, Kani, and Futhi, and AA. Maafarufalhu

5. An agreement with Blue Lagoon Investments Pvt Ltd regarding AA. Madoogali and three additional islands

6. An agreement with Abdullah Ali of H. Girithereyge regarding HDh. Hondaafushi

7. An agreement with JH Resorts Pvt Ltd regarding HDh. Kudamuraidhoo

These decisions reflect the new government's efforts to review and rectify agreements made by the previous administration that are deemed unfavorable to the state.