No Case Filed by President Over Adhadhu Documentary, Says Spokesperson

President Mohamed Muizzu has not filed any case against Adhadhu over its controversial documentary, according to the President’s Office.

Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Rasheed (Mundhu) said the government would not comment on the ongoing police investigation, but clarified that the complaint did not originate from the President.

“I have nothing to say about an ongoing police investigation. The government cannot and will not say anything related to it,” he said.

Adhadhu published the documentary “Aisha” on March 28, based on an interview with an anonymous individual, containing serious allegations against the President.

[caption id="attachment_700" align="alignnone" width="300"] Screenshot from Adhadhu’s Facebook livestream shows police searching the office and speaking with Chief Editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa on April 27, 2026.[/caption]

Police entered the outlet’s office on Monday evening with a court order, stating the search was part of an active criminal investigation. Authorities also obtained a separate order from the Criminal Court to seize the passport of Adhadhu’s Chief Editor, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa.

The court order, issued at 22:11, stated that the passport was seized to ensure Fiyaz remains in the Maldives during the investigation. It will be withheld until the 26th of next month.

The case is being handled by the Serious and Organized Crime Investigation Department.

Fiyaz, a veteran journalist, had previously reported threats against him to police in March last year.

The police action has drawn concern from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and the Maldives Journalists Association. Journalists also staged a protest outside Adhadhu’s office following the search.

The developments come amid broader concerns over media freedom. Last year, Parliament passed legislation expanding government authority over the media, introduced by Abdul Hannan Abubakr. Despite protests from journalists, the bill was ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on September 18, leading to the formation of a new broadcasting commission.