Dheena sentenced to prison over Fenaka corruption case; State refuses to commute jail term to a fine!
27 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 08:51The Criminal Court has sentenced Mariyam Dheena, the former head of procurement at Fenaka Corporation, to one year and seven months in prison after finding her guilty of misusing her official position. Although the defense requested a lighter sentence citing her health condition, the court determined that the prison term could not be converted into a fine, as the offense is classified as a serious criminal felony.
The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced Mariyam Dheena Salih, the former head of procurement at Fenaka Corporation Limited, to prison. | Raajje MV
The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced Mariyam Dheena Salih, the former head of procurement at Fenaka Corporation Limited, to prison.
The state has charged Dheena with abuse of official authority.
The case involves the leasing of a vessel to Fenaka Corporation by a company linked to Dheena during her tenure as the head of procurement at the utility provider. While the court had previously found Dheena guilty in the matter, the hearing held on Tuesday was conducted specifically to determine her sentence.
Regarding the sentencing, the state prosecutor stated that because Dheena held a senior position within a government institution, her penalty could be enhanced. However, the prosecution also noted several mitigating factors that could lead to a lighter sentence, including the fact that she is a primary caregiver for young children and has no prior criminal record.
The state has requested a prison sentence of one year and seven months for Dheena. Furthermore, the prosecution objected to commuting the custodial sentence to a fine.
Defense counsel requested the court to impose a sentence other than imprisonment for Dheena. Citing medical documentation previously submitted to the court, the defense attorney noted that she suffers from several chronic conditions, including migraines, gastrointestinal issues, dust allergies, and asthma. Consequently, the defense requested that the court consider a fine or house arrest as an alternative to a prison sentence.
Presiding Chief Judge Adam Mohamed ruled that the offense proven against Dheena constitutes a serious felony. The Chief Judge further noted that no medical documentation had been submitted to demonstrate a health condition that would preclude her from being held in a correctional facility. Consequently, the judge sentenced Dheena to a prison term of one year, seven months, and 11 days.
The former Managing Director of Fenaka, Ahmed Saeed Mohamed, was also found guilty in this case and sentenced to four years in prison approximately a year ago. Dheena's sentencing comes a significant period after the judgment against Saeed.
