Maldives police raid Adhadhu newsroom, journey bans imposed on editor and CEO

New Delhi, April 28, 2026—Maldivian authorities should instantly return seized tools to the impartial information outlet Adhadhu, carry journey bans on its workers, and stop utilizing prison allegations to silence reporting on the president, the Committee to Protect Journalists mentioned Tuesday.

On April 27, police raided Adhadhu’s headquarters within the capital metropolis, Malé, and seized digital gadgets, the information outlet said. It added that officers entered the property underneath a court order issued following the March 28 launch of “Aisha,” a documentary by which a former worker within the President’s Office alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of energy towards President Mohamed Muizzu.

The search warrant cited Section 612(a) of the Penal Code, which refers back to the offense of “Qazf,” or the false accusation of adultery underneath Islamic legislation, as grounds to search the workplace.

“The raid on Adhadhu and subsequent travel bans are an attempt to criminalize investigative journalism under the guise of religious and national interests,” mentioned CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunal Majumder. “Using religious laws to bypass civil media regulations sets a chilling precedent. Authorities must allow the press to hold government offices accountable.”

The raid occurred hours after an Adhadhu journalist questioned Muizzu in regards to the allegations throughout a televised press convention, mentioned Mohamed Junayd, govt director of the Maldives Journalists Association, in a textual content message to CPJ.

Following the raid, authorities imposed travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.

Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan defended the police motion, saying: “Spreading fabricated serious accusations is not journalism. Police are upholding the rule of law and the President’s constitutional rights. Responsible freedom comes with accountability. No one is above the law.”

The Maldives Police Service and the President’s Office didn’t reply to CPJ’s emailed requests for remark.