Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has defended the Maldives Police Service’s raid on Adhadhu’s headquarters, stating authorities have both the legal right and constitutional duty to investigate what he described as false allegations published against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
In a social media post following the police search of Adhadhu’s office, the minister said the outlet’s publication of alleged false claims involving “zina” against the President warranted criminal investigation.
“The Maldives Police Service has every right, and indeed a duty, to conduct a criminal investigation and raid the head office of a news outlet that published false allegations of ‘zina’ against the President of the Maldives,” the minister wrote.
He stressed that while freedom of speech and press freedom are protected under the Constitution, such rights are not unlimited and must be exercised responsibly.
Citing Article 27 on freedom of expression, Article 28 on media freedom, and Article 33 on the protection of reputation and good name, the minister argued that constitutional protections do not provide immunity for publishing unverified accusations.
“Making serious false allegations of ‘zina’ against the President is not journalism. It is a direct attack on his personal dignity, his family, and the office he holds,” he said.
The minister warned that baseless allegations could erode public trust, fuel division, and inflict lasting reputational damage, adding that law enforcement must be allowed to investigate potential criminal offences such as “gazf” when credible concerns arise.
Rejecting criticism that police were suppressing media freedom, he said the operation was aimed at ensuring accountability.
“The Police are not attacking the press. They are upholding the Constitution by protecting a citizen’s right to their good name while ensuring media freedom is exercised responsibly,” he added.
The police search of Adhadhu’s office was conducted under a Criminal Court warrant, with the outlet’s owners and legal representatives present during the operation.
The incident has triggered national debate over press freedom, defamation laws, and the balance between free expression and accountability in the Maldives.
