CPJ Calls for Return of Seized Equipment After Adhadhu Raid
Adhadhu reports that the police spent 4 hours at their office, after which different hardware and equipment were confiscated. | Photo: Adhadhu news
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Maldivian authorities to immediately return seized equipment to independent news outlet Adhadhu, lift travel bans on its staff, and stop using criminal allegations to restrict reporting on the President.
In a statement issued today, the CPJ said authorities must ensure press freedom protections are upheld following recent developments involving the outlet.
“The raid on Adhadhu and subsequent travel bans are an attempt to criminalize investigative journalism under the guise of religious and national interests. Using religious laws to bypass civil media regulations sets a chilling precedent. Authorities must allow the press to hold government offices accountable,” Kunal Majumder, the Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator for CPJ, said.
#Maldives: Maldivian authorities must immediately return seized equipment to the independent news outlet Adhadhu, lift travel bans on its staff, and cease using criminal allegations to silence reporting on the president, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday.
On… pic.twitter.com/jPvBfQCMhr— CPJ Asia (@CPJAsia) April 28, 2026
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) raided Adhadhu’s newsroom last night, confiscating equipment including hard drives and laptops, according to the organisation.
The raid follows the release of Adhadhu’s documentary 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 travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, with their passports reportedly confiscated, according to sources.
The measures come amid ongoing developments following the police raid on the outlet’s newsroom and the wider fallout from the documentary.
Additionally, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusan, has said the MPS is within its legal rights to investigate and raid news outlets in relation to allegations of adultery against the President.
