Maldives Independent reveals that ruling PPM MP for Nilandhoo Constituency Abdullah Khaleel’s brother in law, Abdul Wahid Abdul Azeez was the key figure in threatening their journalists. The journalists were in Faafu Atoll for their coverage of the sale of the Atoll to the Saudi royal family.

A statement released by the paper on Thursday said that Abdul Wahid Abdul Azeez had accosted journalist Hassan Mohamed on Wednesday 2230 hrs on the roads of Nilandhoo island. The statement added that Wahid had threatened Hassan Mohamed, warning of physical violence, damaging his camera and called him a “puppet” of opposition political figures.

A group of ten people including Wahid later gathered outside the gate of the residence where the journalists were staying and one man entered the premises and knocked on the door to their rented apartment.

The case was reported to Police by an Atoll Council member and Police had placed the two journalists in “protective custody”.

The police questioned them over whether they planned to cover a protest against the Faafu atoll sale on Friday. Mohamed and Moosa were also asked if any foreigners had accompanied them to the island. The statement noted that the phones of the journalists were taken and the Police had said they were not arrested but brought in for questioning. Additionally, the paper had no way of reaching the journalists, who were released after questioning and reviewing their documents and photos.

Journalists of both Maldives Independent and RaajjeTV have come under fire for the coverage, with death threats being given to both stations. In spite of the threats, RaajjeTV had carried out the coverage in the Atoll today.