Adhadhu News Takes Media Commission to Court over Siyaasee Cartoon Order

Adhadhu News has filed a lawsuit in the Civil Court today, seeking to overturn the order issued by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Media Commission) on January 22, 2026, to remove the content published in the newspaper’s cartoon section on January 22, 2026, under the title Siyaasee Cartoons – Volume 22.

In its filing, Adhadhu said the Media Commission issued the removal order at around 5:30 pm on January 22, after official working hours. The commission has launched an investigation into the cartoon, claiming it violates Islamic principles and journalistic ethics as outlined in the Constitution.

In Siyaasee Cartoon Volume 22, a caricature resembling President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is taking money from another person while that individual is bowed in a prayer position.

Adhadhu said the cartoon depicts a man stealing from his own pocket during a prayer gathering and was intended to highlight the prevalence of theft in society, including incidents that occur even during religious observances. The outlet said the context and illustration are clear and do not support the allegations made by the commission. 

The newspaper argued that the Media Commission lacks the legal authority to order the temporary removal of content before determining that it violates the law. Adhadhu cited Article 64 of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, stating that the provision does not empower the commission to issue interim orders requiring content to be taken down.

Adhadhu also cited Article 43(a) of the Constitution, which requires state institutions to make decisions in accordance with the law and principles of justice. The outlet has asked the Civil Court to rule that the commission’s decision is unconstitutional and violates Article 43(a).

The lawsuit further argues that the commission ordered the removal of content that falls outside its jurisdiction. Adhadhu noted that Article 512 of the Penal Code makes it a criminal offence for a public servant to issue orders to the public without legal authorisation while performing official duties.

In addition to the court case, Adhadhu said it plans to submit a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), requesting an investigation into alleged abuse of official position and misconduct by commission members.

The newspaper also said it will file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), arguing that the MMBC’s order violates Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Adhadhu further argued that Article 66 of the Criminal Procedure Act places a responsibility on authorities to uphold due process, including constitutional rights related to press freedom and expression. The outlet said the commission, as the statutory body responsible for safeguarding the media, should operate within its legal mandate and protect media freedom from political interference.

On January 25, Adhadhu News Chief Editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa accused the Media Commission of taking politically motivated action against the publication, stating that the outlet does not believe the cartoon violated any Islamic principles. He said the move appeared aimed at exerting broader control over Maldivian media.

The Media Commission issued a second notice on January 25, narrowing restrictions on the circulation of Siyaasee Cartoon Volume 22, published by Adhadhu News, from the general public to media outlets, following public backlash. The commission’s initial notice, released earlier the same day, addressed the public at large and stated that “no party should circulate” the content, citing an ongoing review. It asked the public to refrain from sharing the cartoon while the investigation was ongoing.

Adhadhu said it sent a letter to the commission seeking clarification on the legal basis for claiming the cartoon violates Islamic principles and stated it would decide on any temporary suspension of the content after receiving the commission’s rationale.

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