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 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 announcing the suspension of operations. 
In addition to the Maldives Independent, Minivan Radio also announced that it had stopped operations. Aishath Aniya, who operates the radio made the announcement yesterday and stated that the decision was made “due to the influence of powerful forces”.
Aniya stated that the owners of the office building from which the radio was operating had made a sudden request yesterday for her to vacate the premises.