The Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation following reports of a mobile phone discovery within the detention cell of Shahuzaan and Leevan, two journalists from the local news outlet “Adhadhu.”
According to Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan, the two journalists were relocated to separate cells for monitoring purposes after the device was found during a routine search of their quarters.
However, Shahuzaan has alleged that his transfer to an isolation cell was a deliberate act of intimidation, claiming it was carried out under the direct orders of the President. While the Minister has dismissed these claims, it has not yet been confirmed whether the discovered phone belonged to either of the journalists.
Furthermore, Leevan’s family has raised concerns regarding the alleged obstruction of medical treatment during his period of detention. These grievances, along with the matters highlighted by the journalists, are currently being investigated by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).
