Media groups urge govt to halt investigation into Adhadhu

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and several other organisations have called on the Maldives government to halt legal action against Adhadhu and its senior leadership following the release of a documentary containing allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.

The documentary, titled “Aisha”, was released on 28 March.

Following its release, the Maldives Police Service conducted a court-authorised search of Adhadhu’s office and seized equipment and other materials.

Authorities also withheld the passports of Adhadhu Chief Executive Officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed.

During police questioning, both men exercised their right to remain silent. Reports indicate they are facing five criminal charges linked to the case.

In a joint letter addressed to President Muizzu, nine organisations called on the government to end the criminal investigation into Adhadhu and stop actions they said restrict press freedom in the Maldives.

The organisations also raised concerns about laws and regulations they said could be used to control media operations and limit broadcasting.

The letter further referred to a directive issued by the Media Council of Maldives to Channel 13 ordering the station to stop live broadcasts of protests held by the People's National Front (PNF).

According to the organisations, actions taken by the media regulator appear aimed at censoring the press.

The groups stated that obstructing journalists violates international human rights agreements to which the Maldives is a party and called for the immediate end of criminal investigations against journalists.

They also called for measures to ensure a safe environment for media work in the country.

In relation to the same case, Eesha Ashraf, a former political staff member at the President's Office, was also questioned by police and had her passport withheld.