Media regulator asks Adhadhu to suspend cartoon segment

The Media and Broadcasting Commission on Thursday issued a warning to the online newspaper Adhadhu to suspend its political cartoon segment following the publication of a cartoon critical of President Mohamed Muizzu.

The warning was issued after the cartoon was published on Facebook and X on Thursday morning.

A copy of the letter sent by the commission to Adhadhu editor Hussain Fiyaz was obtained by Atoll Times.

In the letter, the commission said it was investigating the content of the cartoon segment, which it said appeared to link prostration, an act of worship in Islam, with cheating.

“We request Adhadhu to remove the post in the segment and temporarily suspend the service of the segment immediately until the matter is investigated,” the commission said in the letter.

The commission asked the newspaper to submit a response within five days, including public holidays.

In a statement issued after receiving the warning, Adhadhu said the cartoon showed a man stealing money from the pocket of an imam.

The newspaper said theft from mosques is a known occurrence and said the cartoon reflected that reality.

Adhadhu said the provisions cited in the commission’s letter prohibit content that is contrary to the principles of Islam or that promotes any religion other than Islam.

However, the newspaper referred to Article 274(a) of the Constitution, which defines the principles of Islam as those contained in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, whose authenticity is not disputed, and the principles derived from them.

The statement said the cartoon was not intended to promote Islam or any religious message.

The newspaper said it would be easier to respond to the commission if the legal basis for the alleged violation was explained.

“We also note the work of your commission in addressing matters related to the principles of Islam, while a fatwa council is mandated to advise on religious issues in the Maldives,” the statement said.