Maldivian police raided the offices of independent news outlet Adhadhu late on April 27, seizing electronic equipment in connection with the controversial documentary “Aisha” that alleges sexual misconduct and abuse of power by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Officers entered the Adhadhu headquarters in the capital under a court-issued search warrant. The raid lasted several hours, during which police confiscated laptops, computers, hard drives, and other electronic devices.
Background of the Documentary
The documentary titled “Aisha” was released by Adhadhu on March 28. It features an anonymized interview with a woman, reportedly a former employee at the President’s Office, who alleged she had a sexual relationship with President Muizzu and claimed abuse of power. Voice-altering technology was used to protect her identity.
President Muizzu has strongly denied all allegations, describing them as “baseless lies” and politically motivated. Following a press conference where he addressed the issue, he called on authorities to take legal action against those responsible for producing and spreading the content.
Travel Bans and Criminal Investigation
Following the raid, authorities imposed travel bans on key Adhadhu personnel. Editor Hassan Mohamed and CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa were placed under a three-month travel ban, with passports reportedly seized. Police have summoned both for questioning as part of a criminal investigation under charges including Qazf (false accusation of adultery) under the Penal Code.
Reactions and Press Freedom Concerns
The police action has drawn sharp criticism from local and international media watchdogs. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the immediate return of seized equipment and the lifting of travel bans, describing the move as an attempt to criminalize investigative journalism.
Several opposition figures and media organizations have expressed concern that the raid represents a serious setback for press freedom in the Maldives. The Maldives Journalists Association also voiced strong objections to the developments.
The government maintains that the investigation is a legal matter aimed at addressing false accusations and protecting public morality, emphasizing that press freedom does not extend to spreading defamatory content.
Significance of the Case
The raid on Adhadhu marks one of the most high-profile confrontations between the current administration and independent media since President Muizzu took office. The case has gained significant international attention, with reports by Al Jazeera, BBC, and other global outlets highlighting the tensions surrounding media freedom in the country.
As the criminal investigation continues, many are closely watching how this high-stakes case will affect the balance between accountability, reputation protection, and journalistic freedom in the Maldives.
This story is developing. Adhadhu has stated that the documentary was produced based on thorough investigation and in the public interest.
