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The President's Office has issued formal advisories to two local journalists following a press conference held by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, citing concern over off-microphone communications.
News Desk
President Mohamed Muizzu speaks during a press briefing on April 27, 2026. — PHOTO: PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
MALÉ: The President’s Office sent formal text messages advising two local journalists to avoid repeating conduct that occurred during a press conference held by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today.
The warning was issued to Sangu TV reporter Najah Masood and Channel 13 reporter Mariyam Isadha Ismail. In the message sent directly to both news outlets, the President’s Office expressed regret over the actions of the reporters during the September 7 session and requested that management prevent similar occurrences in the future. The formal notice did not specify the exact official ground or rule violation behind the concern.
The formal warning stems from a brief off-microphone exchange between reporters during the press briefing regarding question limits enforced by Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef. The situation arose when Sangu TV reporter Najah Masood was denied the floor to ask a second follow-up question. Before floor access was granted again, Spokesperson Shareef indicated that three questions had already been taken from the floor. Mariyam then spoke up without a microphone to clarify that Najah had not received a second turn despite the count.
While minor off-microphone comments and verbal clarification from staff and press are common during live press conferences, this marks the first instance where the President’s Office has issued an official warning to journalists over such conduct.
