Adhadhu takes President’s Office to court over press conference ban

Adhadhu has filed a case at the Civil Court challenging a decision by the President’s Office to exclude the news outlet from its press conferences.

The outlet is seeking a ruling that the restriction violates its constitutional rights and an order overturning the decision.

Adhadhu has been excluded from President’s Office press conferences following questions it raised at a press conference held by President Mohamed Muizzu in connection with the outlet’s Aisha documentary.

The restrictions have continued since then.

Earlier this month, a press conference by government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef was cancelled after an Adhadhu journalist attended the event.

Adhadhu said in its court case that the measures imposed by the President’s Office restrict freedom of the press as well as the freedom to seek and receive information.

The outlet has also argued that the restrictions are contrary to the Constitution.

Shareef previously said when questioned about the restrictions that the government would not take action against a media outlet for carrying out its responsibilities as a news organisation.

However, the President’s Office media group had said Adhadhu was excluded because an investigation remained under way in connection with the documentary produced by the outlet, which it said contained allegations against President Muizzu.

Adhadhu is asking the Civil Court to declare the restrictions unconstitutional and overturn the President’s Office decision.