Police raids building which houses Maldives Independent

Police conducted a raid on H. Hulhugali, which houses a number of offices including the newspaper Maldives Independent, on Wednesday evening.

An owner of the newspaper spoke to “Sun” and said that police had a warrant to search the entire building. And that they had also searched the apartment which the Maldives Independent operates from.

Police information officer, Ismail Ali said that the raid of the entire building was part of an ongoing investigation, and refused to reveal any details.

“Sun” has been able to get a copy of the search warrant, which says that it is part of an investigation into a plot to overthrow the Maldivian government and create fear within the society.

In addition to Maldives Independent, the building also houses offices of Maldives Democracy Network, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s attorney – Hassan Latheef, and the law firm of former Deputy Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem – who was suspended from working as former Vice President Ahmed Abdul Gafoor’s attorney.

Both Maldives Independent and Nasheed gave interviews for the Al-Jazeera investigative report ‘Stealing Paradise’, which was received on Wednesday afternoon.

The documentary alleges corruption, embezzlement and money laundering at the highest level of Maldivian government – including President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Adeeb, Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority and Maldives Police Service.