One Indian among 2 journalists arrested in Maldives

Male [Maldives], Feb 09 (ANI): Two journalists, an Indian and a British national of Indian origin, were on Friday arrested in the Maldives under State of Emergency decree for national security purposes.

Money Sharma from Punjab and Atish Ravji Patel from London were reporters employed with AFP news agency.

Ahmed Mahloof, the spokesperson of Joint Opposition on the arrest of foreign journalists, said: "The government is scared that the world would know what's really happening in the Maldives."

"We don't have freedom of press anymore. Last night, one of the leading TV stations was closed," Ali Zahir, Deputy Leader of Adhaalath party, told ANI.

"We call immediate release of them and restore democracy and rule of law in the Maldives," added Zahir.

"Two foreign nationals, one Indian and one British, employees of AFP, arrested in the Maldives," Maldives former Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdulla Shahid, tweeted.(ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI