The Criminal Court of the Maldives has converted a prison sentence into a fine for a local man convicted of physically assaulting his younger sister. The individual, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was ordered to pay a fine of MVR 7,200 to the state within a three-month period.

The incident occurred in October 2024, during which the defendant choked his sister, threw her to the floor, and pulled her hair, resulting in physical injuries. Because the defendant admitted to the crime during the proceedings, the court conducted the trial under an expedited legal process.

The court initially determined a prison sentence of one month and six days but subsequently converted it to a monetary penalty. Under the Maldivian Penal Code, causing physical pain, illness, or bodily injury is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a baseline sentence of four months and 24 days. However, cases involving weapons or more severe injuries can be elevated to Class 4 felonies with significantly harsher penalties.