Police prevents "extremist conspiracy" at Maafushi prison

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has prevented convicts in Maafushi Prison from carrying out an extremist conspiracy.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday night, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz noted that the operation was conducted on April 27. During the operation, police officers joined Maldives Correctional Service personnel in inspecting the prison units and cells.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off that a group of extremists were plotting to carry out transgression in the Maldives.

In light of this, Riyaz said that prisoners were communicating to outsiders via phone to carry out the conspiracy.

Five mobile phones were snagged during the operation, alongside other equipment and books with scripts that encourage religious extremism. The case is under further investigation.

This comes at a time ISIS supporters have confessed to carrying out an attack on three foreigners in February as well as an arson attack on vessels docked at Mahibadhoo harbor earlier in April.

Police are yet to make any arrests in connection to these cases, however, authorities have assured that adequate measures will be taken.