Vice President Urges Journalists to Uphold Ethical Standards

Vice President Mohamed Latheef has called on journalists to exercise greater responsibility in reporting and to remain committed to the core principles of journalism.

In a post on X, he said abandoning journalistic ethics increases harm within society, particularly among members of the public who depend on journalists for accurate information.

“I urge journalists to be more responsible in disseminating information and to remain committed to the core principles of journalism,” he said.

Ethical journalism must ensure quality information, promote accountability and transparency while upholding the principles of democracy. When ethics are forgone, it creates misinformation, maximizes harm, and can create unrest among people who rely on journalists to report the…— Hussain Mohamed Latheef (@HucenSembe) April 28, 2026

The Vice President made the remarks after the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) published the new Regulation on the Registration of Newspapers and Magazines yesterday. The regulation came into effect immediately upon publication.

The MMBC said the framework is intended to facilitate press freedom guaranteed under the Constitution while operating within Islamic moral standards and the law. It also establishes procedures for the registration and operation of newspapers and magazines.

The comments also come amid ongoing developments involving Adhadhu news.

On Monday evening, police raided the outlet’s offices in Malé and seized equipment used in its daily operations. The raid followed 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 Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office. She also claimed she received monthly monetary “gifts” during the alleged period.

During his weekly press conference on Monday, President Muizzu denied the allegations and described the documentary as false and based on lies after being questioned by an Adhadhu journalist.

Yesterday, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan said the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is within its legal rights to investigate and raid news outlets in relation to allegations of adultery against the President.

In a post on X, Ihusan cited Articles 27, 28 and 33 of the Constitution, relating to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and the right to protect one’s reputation and good name.