Maldives Police Service seized 21 rolls of yellow banner cloth and other items from main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s main headquarters late Tuesday.
This is the second time that the MDP headquarters was raided by Police in a week.
The first raid was conducted on March 1, over suspicion of planning anti-governmental activity regarding the impending official visit of Saudi's King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. However, MDP responded that no evidence related to the investigation was found from the site.
According to the Police' search warrant, the raid was conducted over suspicion of making plans to hinder the esteem of the honorary high level delegations visiting the Maldives. Hence, the court order stated that all related items must be seized from the building Veyovila 2 where MDP's main centre is located.
The court order added that the search warrant is supported by a report made by Police in relation to the activities conducted at the headquarters.
Secretary General of MDP, Anas Abdul Sattar told Mihaaru that Police had taken banners protesting the selling of Faafu Atoll, saying that they were related to the visit of King Salman.
Anas added that he pointed out to Police that the Co-Chair of Economic and Youth Council has declared that Faafu Atoll is not related to the king’s visit, therefore questioning why the banners were taken.
Police allegedly replied that they did not seize any banners that mentioned any other atoll, adding that the 21 rolls of yellow cloth were taken as new banners might have been made from them.
Anas told Mihaaru that the details of items seized by police are yet unknown.
While the Saudi King is expected to visit the Maldives this month, Maldives Police Service has released a statement banning any action that might compromise the honor of the delegation, warning legal action against those who do so.
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