Govt relocates press briefing after Adhadhu journalist refuses to leave TVM
Adhadhu had been excluded because of an investigation related to a documentary published by the outlet containing allegations against the president.
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A press briefing organised by the President’s Office at Television Maldives (TVM) was moved to another location on Saturday after an Adhadhu journalist who attended the event refused a request to leave the studio.
The briefing, led by Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef, known as Mundu, was scheduled to begin at 4pm at a TVM studio and be broadcast live.
Media outlets attending the briefing had been asked to submit the names of participating journalists in advance.
Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir attended the briefing but was asked to leave the premises. Leevan refused, maintaining that he was attending the event in exercise of his rights as a journalist.
About an hour later, Shareef released a video statement saying Adhadhu was not part of the President’s Office media group and was therefore not permitted to participate in press briefings organised by the office.
Shareef said Adhadhu had been excluded because of an investigation related to a documentary published by the outlet containing allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
He criticised those involved in the documentary, describing them as people “wearing the mask of media while acting out dramas and films”.
As Leevan remained at the TVM studio, the planned briefing was cancelled at that location. The meeting was subsequently held elsewhere as an informal discussion over tea with journalists who had been invited to attend.
The dispute follows action taken against Adhadhu and its journalists in connection with its “Aisha” documentary, which contained allegations concerning the President.
Leevan and fellow Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan were previously arrested in connection with the case.
Criminal proceedings involving allegations of qazf have also been initiated against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.
President Muizzu has denied the allegations made in the documentary and called for action against those responsible for them.
The investigation and related proceedings remain ongoing.
