Custody of foreign journalists handed to Immigration after court order release

The custody of the two foreigners that entered Maldives on tourist VISA and engaged in journalism has been handed to the Department of Immigration and Emigration for violating the Immigration Law.

Police arrested a Polish national, lwira Magdalena Srescezik and an Italian national, Santarosa Francesco with European Journalist Legitimation press cards while covering the event of the opposition coalition near the MDP campaign hall.

Police Media Official told Sun Media tonight that they have been handed over to Immigration for violating the immigration law.

Spokesperson of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Hassan Khaleel confirmed to Sun Media tonight that the two foreign nationals are in their custody. But he did no confirm if any action has been taken against them.

Khaleel said that steps would be taken even journalists if they violated the laws of immigration and VISA of the Maldives. Such actions include deportation with or without a fine.

After it was confirmed that they were working as journalists on tourist VISA, they were arrested by the Police last night and made a court appearance today.

The court, however ordered their release.

Article 10-A of the Immigration Law bans anyone who enters the Maldives on a tourist VISA from working/or be employed.

Article 613 of the new penal code states that doing something that requires a permit from a state entity without the permit of the said entity is a crime.