The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has stated it does not have the legal authority to set investigative standards for the police.
Police searched the office of Adhadhu on Monday in connection with a documentary released last month, seizing multiple electronic devices from the newsroom.
Authorities also confiscated the passports of CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, and ordered both to appear before police.
The Commission faced criticism for not responding publicly after the raid. In its statement, it said its legal mandate is to enforce administrative standards and uphold press freedom, but it cannot determine how police obtain information during criminal investigations.
However, the Commission added that it will review media content and take administrative action where necessary.
The Maldives Journalists Association has expressed concern over the police action, while journalists staged a peaceful protest outside the Adhadhu office.
The current Commission was formed under a new law that replaced the previous regulatory bodies, a move that had drawn criticism from journalists.
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