Spokesperson Says President Did Not Order Raid on Adhadhu News

The Maldives Police Service’s (MPS) raid on Adhadhu offices was not instigated by the President, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said today.

Speaking at the newly launched “Presser with the Spox” weekly press briefing, Shareef said the police were already investigating the matter under instructions received from the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Addressing questions regarding Adhadhu’s documentary, which alleged that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had a romantic and sexual relationship with an employee hired to work at the President’s Office last year, Shareef said two separate cases are currently under investigation in connection with the publication.

When asked about the allegations during the President’s weekly Monday press conference, President Muizzu denied them as lies. He also said he had requested authorities to take action against those spreading what he described as false information.

Later that evening, the MPS raided Adhadhu’s offices and seized equipment used in the outlet’s operations. Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan later defended the raid, stating that the MPS was acting within its legal authority to investigate news outlets in relation to allegations of adultery involving the President.

One investigation is being conducted by the MPS in relation to allegations of “gazf”, referring to accusations of adultery. Shareef said the Constitution guarantees journalism and press freedom as fundamental rights, but noted that such rights must be exercised within the limits of Islam, as outlined in the Constitution.

“This threshold has been crossed. Therefore, an investigation is ongoing. That is one authority,” he said, referring to the police investigation.

A separate investigation is also being carried out by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC). Shareef said further details regarding that inquiry would be provided by the commission itself.

He added that the government had informed the commission that certain information presented in the documentary was false.

Referring to the police raid and seizure of equipment, Shareef said authorities had shared information with international watchdog organisations as required. He said some details could not be disclosed due to the ongoing investigations, but added that authorities continue to coordinate with relevant institutions and provide information where possible.

Speaking further on the issue, Shareef said the President believes he has the legal right to protect his reputation against what he considers false allegations.

According to Shareef, the President considers himself entitled to the same legal protections afforded to any Maldivian citizen, in addition to protections attached to the office of the presidency.

He added that the President had indicated he would use available legal avenues in cases where he believes he has been defamed.