The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the British Ambassador to the Maldives, Nick Low, today criticized the police raid on the office of Adhadhu news and the subsequent travel bans imposed on its senior officials following the release of the documentary titled "Aisha."
In a post on X, the British Ambassador stated that news of the Maldivian police raiding the Adhadhu office was distressing and noted that the United Kingdom consistently expresses concern regarding the extent of media freedom. He added that such actions are inconsistent with the trust the Maldives has placed in upholding Commonwealth standards.
"A free media is essential to a healthy democracy," he said.
Expressing concern over the raid, CPJ called in a post on X for the police to return the equipment seized from the Adhadhu office and to lift the travel bans imposed on several of the outlet's senior journalists.
"We also call for an end to the use of criminal allegations to stop reporting on the President," CPJ Asia said in its post.
The documentary produced by Adhadhu, which includes statements from anonymous sources with altered voices, levels serious allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In connection with the case, police entered the news outlet's office last night and seized a large amount of equipment.
Yesterday, the passports of the outlet's CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and its Editor, Hassan Mohamed, were also withheld. Additionally, the passport of Aishath Eesha Ashraf, whom police suspect of involvement in the "Aisha" documentary, has now been withheld as well.
The order to withhold the passports of Fiyaz and Hassan states that the action was taken because they are suspected of involvement in the documentary and to prevent them from potentially leaving the Maldives. According to the order regarding the case being investigated by the Serious and Organized Crime Department, their passports have been withheld from yesterday until July 26th.
Home Minister Ali Ihusaan stated today that searching a media office in cases involving alleged slander against the President is a power granted to the Police and a responsibility they must fulfill.
In a post on X written in English, Ihusaan stated that while press freedom is ensured, it is not a freedom to assassinate the character of individuals. The Minister also cited various articles from the Constitution regarding fundamental rights.
"Fabricating and spreading serious allegations is not journalism. The Police are upholding the rule of law and the rights granted to the President by the Constitution," Minister Ihusaan said.
