Police investigate claims that Leevan and Shahzan were moved to different cells following discovery of a mobile phone
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated that mobile phones were discovered hidden inside the clothing of inmates during a search operation conducted following a tip-off from a member of the public.
Family members and journalists gathered in the area to welcome Shahzan upon his release. | Maldives Journalists Association (MJA)
Police have launched an investigation into the case of two journalists from the Adhadhu news outlet, Leevan Ali Nasir and Mohamed Shahzan, following Home Minister Ali Ihusaan's statement that they were moved to different jail cells after a mobile phone was discovered.
Although the police have confirmed that they are investigating the matter, no further details regarding the case have been disclosed.
Ihusaan stated that a mobile phone was discovered during a search of the cell where the two journalists are being held. He further detailed that the search was conducted by corrections officers following a tip-off from a member of the public, leading to the discovery of the phone hidden among clothes inside a cupboard.
Minister Ihusaan stated that the two individuals are being held in separate cells to ensure they can be easily monitored, in accordance with standard procedures applied to other inmates. He further clarified that this measure was not taken because of their specific identities, nor was it done under instructions from any particular party.
Shahzan was sentenced to prison on the 12th of this month after being found in violation of a gag order issued by the Criminal Court. He has since been released from Hulhumale' Prison upon completing his sentence.
