Maldives Media Commission Orders Ban on Sharing of Adhadhu Political Cartoon

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Media Commission) has directed the public not to circulate Siyaasee Cartoon Volume 22, a political cartoon published by Adhadhu News on Thursday, 22 January.

In a statement released today, the commission said the cartoon is under review and has asked the newspaper to respond to the allegations within five days on Thursday. Adhadhu News said they sent a letter to the commission yesterday evening seeking clarification on the legal basis for claiming that the content violates the principles of Islam. The newspaper has also said it will decide on any temporary suspension of the content once the commission’s rationale is provided.

The government has previously stated that the Media Commission does not have the authority to regulate content published online. However, journalists have argued that existing law allows the commission to exercise oversight over internet-based publications.

According to Adhadhu, the investigation was announced by the commission at 5:30 PM on Thursday, shortly after official working hours ended. This marks the first time the regulatory body has ordered the removal of newspaper content and, notably, the first time it has instructed the public not to share content under review.

Adhadhu’s Chief Editor, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, said the newspaper does not believe the post violates any tenets of Islam and described the notice as politically motivated.

The contested cartoon forms part of Siyaasee Cartoon, a segment on Adhadhu’s social media platforms offering satirical commentary on current political developments in the Maldives.