Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 April 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Maldivian police raided Adhadhu, seized devices and imposed travel bans on the outlet's CEO and managing editor after a documentary alleged misconduct by the president; the warrant cited Section 612(a) on Qazf, drawing condemnation from press freedom groups.

Summary

NEW DELHI—Maldivian authorities are facing growing international criticism after police raided the offices of independent outlet Adhadhu, seized equipment, and imposed travel bans on senior staff, prompting concerns about escalating pressure on investigative journalism in the country.

The raid took place on April 27 in the capital, Malé, following the publication of “Aisha,” a documentary released on March 28 in which a former President’s Office employee alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of power against President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the outlet, officers entered its newsroom under a court-issued warrant and confiscated electronic devices.

Raid linked to documentary allegations

The warrant cited Section 612(a) of the Maldives Penal Code, which criminalizes “Qazf,” or false accusations of adultery under Islamic law. Authorities used this provision to justify the search, raising alarm among press freedom advocates about the use of religiously grounded laws in cases involving journalistic work.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the move, calling for the immediate return of seized equipment and the lifting of travel bans imposed on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed. CPJ warned that such actions risk setting a precedent where criminal law is used to suppress scrutiny of those in power.

Government defends action, journalists push back

Officials in the Maldives government have defended the raid. Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan said authorities were acting within the law, arguing that spreading “fabricated serious accusations” does not constitute journalism and that accountability applies to all.

However, media representatives say the timing of the raid is significant. The operation occurred hours after an Adhadhu journalist questioned President Muizzu about the allegations during a televised press conference, according to the Maldives Journalists Association.

Press freedom groups argue that the combination of newsroom raids, device seizures, and travel restrictions represents a coordinated attempt to deter investigative reporting. The Maldives Police Service and the President’s Office have not publicly responded to detailed queries from international watchdogs.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The case highlights how legal frameworks, particularly religious or criminal statutes, can be used to target journalists, a trend that Pakistani media professionals should closely monitor. It underscores the importance of legal safeguards for investigative reporting and the risks posed when questioning powerful figures trigger punitive state action. Newsrooms in Pakistan can draw lessons on digital security, legal preparedness, and collective response mechanisms.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available statements from the Committee to Protect Journalists (April 28, 2026) and comments from Maldives officials and journalists reported on the same date.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Maldives Journalists Association/Circulated by CPJ