Spokesperson says documentary probe began on PG office directive
Shareef said the Prosecutor General has legal authority to direct police to carry out criminal investigations.
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Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef said on Thursday that the police investigation into a documentary released by Adhadhu was initiated on the instruction of the Prosecutor General's Office of Maldives and not at the request of President Mohamed Muizzu.
The documentary, titled Aisha, contained allegations against the President.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Television Maldives studios, Shareef said the Prosecutor General has legal authority to direct police to carry out criminal investigations.
“The ongoing investigation is not something commissioned by the President. Nor is it being carried out under the direction of the government,” he said.
He added that the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission was also reviewing the documentary.
Shareef said the matter concerns alleged Qazf, referring to false accusations or slander, and stated that constitutional protections for journalism must operate within the legal framework of the Maldives.
When asked whether the allegation was being made personally by the President, Shareef said the President was not making accusations.
He further stated that both the Prosecutor General’s request for a police investigation and the regulator’s review began before the President’s press conference on Monday.
According to Shareef, the actions were not triggered by questions raised during that briefing.
Asked whether the President had instructed the Prosecutor General to act, Shareef said no direction was necessary because the office had already initiated the process.
Police later searched Adhadhu’s office under a court order and withheld the passports of two executives.
The documentary was released on 28 April and featured an unidentified woman said to be a former employee of the President’s Office making allegations against the President.
During Monday’s press conference, Muizzu denied the claims and said: “I urge all relevant authorities to take legal action against all parties involved in spreading these falsehoods.”
