Court Orders Adhadhu to Grant Police Access to Seized Devices in Qadf Case
Adhadhu reports that the police spent 4 hours at their office, after which different hardware and equipment were confiscated. | Photo: Adhadhu news
The Criminal Court has ordered local media outlet Adhadhu News to hand over credentials and access to confiscated hard drives and laptops to the Maldives Police Service, as part of an ongoing investigation into Qadf charges linked to the outlet’s documentary Aisha, according to documents shared by Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa.
The documentary featured a woman under a pseudonym with a concealed identity, who alleged she had a sexual relationship with President Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office, and claimed she received monthly “gifts” during the period.
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Police raided Adhadhu’s newsroom on 27 April, seizing equipment including hard drives and laptops, according to the organisation. The raid came a day after President Muizzu publicly denied the allegations, describing them as “lies” and stating he would pursue legal action against those involved.
Following the operation, authorities also confiscated the passports of Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed. A police document shared by Hassan stated the seizure was tied to the publication of a video containing what authorities described as false allegations against the President, and cited intelligence suggesting plans to leave the country.
Police have filed five charges against the two, including Qadf — marking a rare instance of the state pursuing such a charge against a media outlet.
The case has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates. Reporters Without Borders condemned the raid, calling it an act of “criminalising journalism” and urging authorities to halt such actions.
Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said the police action was not directed by the President. Speaking at the “Presser with the Spox” briefing, he stated that the investigation was being conducted under instructions from the Prosecutor General’s Office, and confirmed that two separate cases are under review in connection with the documentary.
