President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu funds unregistered news website "Farudhun", a spokesperson for the Homeland Security Ministry had said.
Spokesperson Fathimath Rifaath revealed this in a message to the ministry's WhatsApp media group. She was writing in response to another official of the ministry who wanted to know those operating Farudhun.
"President spends for that news website," Rifaath's message read. The other official said there was a mistake in an article and requested to get a contact number for an editor.
Rifaath has since deleted her message. Attempts to reach her for further comments were unsuccessful. She was appointed spokesperson for the ministry on January 17, 2024.
Media council's information officer confirmed to Adhadhu that Farudhun is not an officially registered news website. No business is registered under Farudhun.
The messages on the media group.
The wesbsite's social media accounts show that they started publishing content on November 2, 2023, a month after President Muizzu was elected.
Farudhun has more than 500 followers on X, more than 3,000 followers on Facebook, about 300 followers on Instagram and 1,400 followers on TikTok.
Of these accounts, only President Muizzu's own account has been followed on Instagram and TikTok.
Farudhun is currently known for its articles and advertisements promoting the government and praising President Muizzu on social media. The newspaper is placing a large number of paid advertisements on X.
Ad by Farudhun on Twitter.
Its social media accounts have been posting photos of the government candidates contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections in each constituency. These candidates include those who claim to have the support of the President even if they are not contesting on behalf of the ruling party ticket.
In addition, the website's accounts are circulating campaign materials prepared by the ruling party for the parliamentary elections.
