Adhadhu challenges media regulator’s cartoon order in Civil Court
The Media and Broadcasting Commission is investigating a cartoon published on the morning of 22 January.
Adhadhu on Sunday filed a case in the Civil Court seeking to quash an order issued by the Media and Broadcasting Commission directing the removal of cartoon content published in the newspaper’s political cartoons segment and the temporary suspension of that segment.
The Media and Broadcasting Commission is investigating a cartoon published on the morning of 22 January. According to the commission, the cartoon depicts a man with a long nose, representing President Mohamed Muizzu, taking money from the pocket of an imam while people are engaged in prayer.
The commission has said it is examining whether the cartoon implies a connection between prostration, a component of prayer, and fraud.
In a statement, Adhadhu said it had filed the case in the Civil Court challenging the commission’s decision. The newspaper said the cartoon was intended to address the issue of theft in society and to convey that wrongdoing can occur even during acts of worship.
The newspaper said the context and depiction in the cartoon were clear and that the commission’s allegations were without legal basis.
In its petition, Adhadhu argued that while Section 64 of the Media Act sets out the powers of the commission in matters under investigation, it does not grant authority to impose interim measures or order the removal of content before it is determined to be in violation. The petition also cited Article 43 of the Constitution, which states that decisions of public authorities must be made in accordance with the law and principles of justice.
The petition seeks a declaration that the commission’s decision violates Article 43(a) of the Constitution.
Separately, the newspaper said it had filed complaints with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives.
According to Adhadhu, the complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission was lodged on the grounds that issuing orders not permitted by law constitutes an offence under Section 512 of the Penal Code. The complaint to the Human Rights Commission was filed on the basis that the commission’s actions violated the right to freedom of expression and press guaranteed under Article 27 of the Constitution.
