Shaviyani atoll police have on Monday painted over graffiti depicting opinions in opposition to the sale of Faafu atoll to Saudi Arabia.

An eye-witness told RaajjeMV that the graffiti were painted at Bileffahi’s fini'ashi – a stump-shaped structure or hut used as meeting place – which overlooks the island’s football grounds and at an electricity distribution board near there.

Hassan Zareer, a member of Bileffahi’s island council has confirmed this to RaajjeMV.

He further said that officers have also summoned and questioned those that have expressed hostility towards the atoll sale on social networks.

The authorities have taken considerable measures to repress sentiments hostile to the sale, and the Saudi government – the recipient of the impending transaction.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) last week issued a warning against ‘engaging in any acts that could diminish the reverence of visiting dignitaries’.

In line with this, the police had raided an opposition party camp and quelled a demonstration in Faafu Atoll over the plans – specifically the government’s silence over it.

President Abdulla Yameen said that the Faafu Atoll ‘project’ is worth USD 10 billion, and would reveal details ‘when the time is right’.

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