Maldives' graft watchdog Tuesday ruled out corruption in the distribution of dates gifted by the Saudi government by First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim's NGO.
The kingdom donates around 50 tonnes of dates to the people of the Maldives every Ramadan.
The First Lady's NGO, Sadagat Foundation was accused of diverting 10 tonnes of dates and distributing it to the public in the foundation's name.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) after investigating the allegations said the Sadagat Foundation's role in the distribution had ensured that the dates reached the public more quickly.
"As the dates were originally intended for the public, Sadagat Foundation had done the same by distributing the dates without discrimination or bias," the ACC statement read.
The Saudi government had earlier defended the Sadagat Foundation by saying that was “saddened” to see the controversy over the dates, and said it was “proud” to see the dates being distributed by the First Lady’s NGO.
ACC however had urged the finance ministry to draft a regulation if the government wishes to enlist the assistance of private institutions and NGOs in the distribution of such foreign aid to the public.
