Maldives Independent suspends operations, Minivan radio future in doubt

Local news agency Maldives Independent, formerly known as Minivan News, has announced that it is suspending operations for the time being.

The agency well known for reporting on developments of the country in English to the international community was started as an online news agency in 2014 after operating as Minivan News.

The news agency made the announcement in a statement that it was suspending operations today and thanked the “loyal readers, journalists, foreign and local, who have been part of our small team over the years.”

Maldives Independent suspends operations - https://t.co/2jRZXZtteB pic.twitter.com/KYj4kvT8Z5

— Maldives Independent (@IndependentMV) January 31, 2020

The agency did not provide a reason as to why it was suspending operations in the statement issued.. 

In addition to the suspension of operations by Maldives Independent, Minivan Radio has also stopped its broadcasts yesterday.

It is reported that the broadcast of the radio was interrupted due to an issue with the transmitter of the radio.

Aishath Aniya who works at the radio tweeted yesterday that the owners of the office building from which the radio was operating from had made a sudden request yesterday to vacate the premises. She stated that because of this, the future of the radio was in question.

Minivan Radio is being run by Contrast Private Limited. Aniya stated that discussions with the company were underway to resolve the matters.