MMBC Bars ‘Adhadhu’ Journalists from PO Press Conferences for Duration of Ongoing Qazf Case 

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has barred Adhadhu journalists from attending press conferences held at the President’s Office, for the duration of ongoing legal proceedings, citing alleged violations of a Criminal Court gag-order.

In a statement, the MMBC said the Maldives Police Service had informed it that a criminal case is currently proceeding in the Criminal Court over video content circulated via an Adhadhu social media account. 

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The statement further alleged that Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzaan violated a Criminal Court order issued on Sunday, during a press conference held at the President’s Office on yesterday. The order had directed parties to refrain from specific actions in relation to an ongoing trial.

Citing provisions under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act—including Article 39 on media standards, Article 40 on the code of conduct, and Article 44 on the obligation to report truthful information—the commission said the decision was taken in line with regulatory expectations placed on media organisations.

It also referenced powers granted under Article 13 of the Regulation on Attending and Covering Press Conferences Held by the President’s Office.

As a result, effective immediately, permission for Adhadhu journalists to attend any press conferences organised by the President’s Office will not be granted for the duration of the ongoing cases, said the MMBC. 

Yesterday, Adhadhu journalist Shahzaan was escorted out of a press conference at the President’s Office after asking a question that authorities said violated a Criminal Court gag order banning discussion of a documentary released by the outlet last month.

A day earlier, the Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges of false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse (Qazf) against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the same documentary.