PO denies report on cabinet meeting, refers case to media council

The President’s Office has denied a report published in Adhadhu newspaper and has decided to submit the matter to the Maldives Media Council (MMC), citing the publication of false information.

The report in question followed the Supreme Court’s decision to proceed with a case concerning the constitutional amendment that allows Members of Parliament to lose their seats based on party affiliation. Adhadhu claimed that an urgent cabinet meeting was held following the court’s decision.

Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed stated on X that the report was "definitely false."

"Such false information, without any validity and misleading the public, is unacceptable," she said. "The President’s Office will refer the matter to the Media Council."

In response, Adhadhu editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa described the move as "an act of intimidation and obstruction of media freedom."

“The government may believe that Adhadhu and independent journalists in the Maldives will be affected by such intimidation, but that will not happen,” he said.

The President’s Office has previously submitted multiple cases related to the newspaper to the MMC.