Police Within Rights to Raid Media Over False Adultery Claims, Says Minister

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan has said the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is within its legal rights to investigate and raid news outlets in relation to allegations of adultery against the President.

In a post on X, the minister defended the police raid on Adhadhu News carried out yesterday evening, during which equipment including hard drives and laptops was confiscated, according to the organisation.

“Maldives Police are right to investigate & raid the news outlet over false ‘Zina’ allegations against the President. Press freedom is guaranteed, but not a free pass to destroy reputations with lies,” Ihusan said, citing Articles 27, 28 and 33 of the Constitution.

Maldives Police are right to investigate & raid the news outlet over false “Zina” allegations against the President. Press freedom is guaranteed, but not a free pass to destroy reputations with lies. Constitution of Maldives:
• Art 27: Freedom of expression (not contrary to…

— Minister of Homeland Security, Labour & Technology (@min_mohst) April 28, 2026

The cited provisions relate to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and the right to protect one’s reputation and good name.

“Spreading fabricated serious accusations is not journalism. Police are upholding the rule of law and the President’s constitutional rights,” he added.

The comments follow Adhadhu News’ release of a documentary last month titled Aisha, in which a woman speaking under a pseudonym and with her identity concealed alleged a sexual relationship with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office. She also claimed she received monthly monetary “gifts” during the alleged period.

Authorities have also imposed a travel ban on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, with their passports reportedly confiscated, according to sources.

The travel restrictions come amid continued developments following the police raid on the outlet’s newsroom and the wider fallout from the documentary.

The travel ban notice issued to Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed stated that his passport was seized in relation to the publication of the video, which authorities described as containing “numerous lies” about the President. It also cited intelligence information suggesting he intended to leave the country.

The measures have further escalated tensions between authorities and the media outlet following the seizure of equipment from its offices.