The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Control Commission) has issued a warning to Dhauru for publishing Volume 22 of Adhadhu's political cartoon in a news article.
In a letter to the news website, the commission said it was investigating the cartoon and advised Dhauru to remove the photograph of the cartoon. The commission previously ordered the media not to circulate the cartoon.
"You are advised to temporarily remove the photo published on your website (https://dhauru.com/post/news/41210) and X on 25 January 2026 at 5:30 pm until the investigation is completed and the commission takes a decision on the matter," the letter read.
Dhauru published the photo of the political cartoon in the article reporting the commission's order not to circulate the content. Dhauru has now removed the photo from the article.
The commission yesterday (January 28) issued a second order on Adhadhu to remove the cartoon and stop the segment. But Adhadhu has refused to comply with the orders which lack legal basis.
The commission said a decision on the political cartoon will be taken after reviewing the documents and information submitted by parties relevant to the case.
The commission informed Adhadhu about an investigation into the cartoon after official working hours ended at 5:30 pm on January 22.
It ordered the news website to remove the content from its X and Facebook accounts.
In its response, Adhadhu asked the commission to explain the legal reasons for the decision to declare that the cartoon violates the principles of Islam.
But the commission was not able to clarify the reasons.
"This cartoon shows the extent to which theft is common in the Maldives. It also shows that religion is commonly used as a tool to cover up corruption," Adhadhu stated in its letter.
Adhadhu further said the commission is using religion as an excuse to take action against the cartoon because it believes that the cartoon depicts a certain politician, proving that it delivers a factual message.
