Police Deny Arrest of Journalists During Protest in Malé
Maldives Media Council (MMC) member Muzayyin Nazim escorted by the Maldives Police Service yesterday, for protesting outside the President’s Office | Photo: Maldives Journalists Association.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has denied claims that journalists were arrested during protests held yesterday outside the President’s Office in Malé.
In a statement issued last evening, MPS said no journalist had been arrested in connection to the protests. According to the police, media personnel at the protest site were instructed to leave the designated green zone, which is not legally authorised for demonstrations under existing regulations.
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“This instruction was issued by police officers on the ground in accordance with established procedures, with the objective of maintaining public safety and order,” the statement read.
#MPSPressStatement: 171-A(C1)/PS/2025/16 – Maldives Police Service Clarifies Reports Related to Protest in Malé https://t.co/ZWrnQ8NKf1 #MPSNoosBayaan pic.twitter.com/6oquEYFakx— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) August 27, 2025
However, a member of the Maldives Media Council, Muzayyin Nazim, disputed the police account, alleging that journalists were dragged away with excessive force, told they were in “police custody,” had their rights read, and had their phones confiscated. The journalist said images and videos from the protest contradicted the police statement.
At yesterday’s protest, journalists sat outside the President’s Office demanding an audience with the President. Police officers told them the location was not authorised for demonstrations. When the journalists refused to leave, officers physically moved them into police vehicles and read them their rights. Shortly afterwards, the officers informed them they would be released if they agreed not to continue protesting outside the President’s Office.
The journalists then resumed their protest in the “Media Fendaa,” a shaded area designated for reporters in front of the President’s Office, before later moving their demonstration outside Muliaage, the President’s residence.
Police claim no journalists were arrested today. But @aaaaaidh, Lamya and I were dragged away with excessive force, told we’re in ‘police custody,’ had our rights read, and even our phones taken. The images & videos speak for themselves. This is the reality#CtrlBillBeyrukurey https://t.co/jt5fdcexfe pic.twitter.com/W6NHyTnjQR— Muzayyin Nazim (@tedmaldives) August 27, 2025
Former President Mohamed Nasheed also weighed in, urging President Dr Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. Writing on X, he described it as a threat to free expression and prosperity, and called for the release of journalists he said were arrested.
In response, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Hussain rejected Nasheed’s statement, insisting that no arrests were made. He said police officers only escorted journalists out of the security zone after repeated verbal warnings were ignored.
“I urge everyone, especially those in positions of high significance, to refrain from disseminating incorrect information,” the Minister wrote on X.
Excellency President @MohamedNasheed, with due respect, I can confirm that NO journalist was arrested during or regarding yesterday’s protest. While the Journalists were protesting at a security / green zone (in front of the President’s Office and the Official Residence of the… https://t.co/vHhdMnXuMg— Minister of Homeland Security & Technology (@min_mohst) August 28, 2025
Today, journalists gathered again outside the President’s Office, seeking an audience with President Muizzu to raise their concerns about the media bill, which they argue threatens free speech and undermines the role of the press as the fourth estate.
