Police Raid Adhadhu Newsroom After Documentary Alleging Sexual Misconduct by the President
Adhadhu reports that the police spent 4 hours at their office, after which different hardware and equipment were confiscated. | Photo: Adhadhu news
The Maldives Police Service raided the newsroom of local media outlet Adhadhu last night, confiscating equipment including hard drives and laptops, according to the organisation.
The raid follows the release of Adhadhu’s documentary “Aisha” last month, in which a woman—speaking under a pseudonym and with her identity concealed—alleged a sexual relationship with President Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office. She also claimed she received monthly monetary “gifts” during the alleged period.
Adhadhu said in social media posts that police seized materials used in its daily operations.
The development comes a day after President Muizzu denied the allegations at a press conference held at the President’s Office, describing the documentary as containing “lies” and stating that he would pursue legal action against those involved.
At the press conference yesterday, in response to the president’s denial, an Adhadhu journalist said the documentary was based on the woman’s account and allegations, adding that determining their veracity was not his role and would require investigation.
Following the raid, police have also seized the passports of Adhadhu News CEO Hussain Fiyaz as well as the outlet’s Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.
In a passport seizure document shared by Hassan Mohamed, police cited the reason for the confiscation as the publication of a video in which numerous false allegations were made against the President. The document further stated that the ban was imposed amid intelligence reports by the Maldives Police Service that the individual was planning to leave the country.
