The government and police are facing a wave of backlash following a police raid on the offices of Adhadhu in connection with the documentary "Aisha."
Police began raiding Adhadhu office tonight. According to the court order, the search was initiated on the grounds that evidence related to the "Aisha" documentary was located on the premises. The police have alleged the criminal offense of Qazf (false accusation of adultery or fornication).
Condemning the move in the strongest terms, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid described the raid as an attack on independent media, asserting that the government’s objective is to intimidate the press.
Echoing these sentiments, former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail condemned the raid, stating that President Mohamed Muizzu has become desperate and is using the police force to silence all dissenting voices.
Former Vice President Mohamed Jameel also weighed in, claiming that the raid on Adhadhu’s office is an abuse of power intended to suppress allegations against Muizzu.
While many have condemned the action, some individuals on social media have called for the permanent closure of Adhadhu and the arrest of its journalists.
Adhadhu is a news outlet known for publishing reports criticising government decisions and allegations of corruption.
Police raid Adhadhu office over Aisha documentary
Police raided the Adhadhu office following the release of "Aisha," a documentary alleging misconduct by President Mohamed Muizzu. The raid occurred after the President denied the claims and vowed legal action against those involved. Officers entered with a court order to reportedly seize evidence related to the production.
The warrant to search Adhadhu’s office over the "Aisha" documentary was issued shortly after Muizzu was questioned regarding the allegations. Although it has been nearly a month since the documentary’s release, the matter had previously only been under review by the media control commission.
In the documentary, released on Adhadhu’s social media platforms on March 28, a former employee of the President’s Office leveled serious allegations regarding a personal relationship with President Mohamed Muizzu. The individual alleged that sexual encounters took place within the President’s Office and claimed to have received monthly payments from the President. Furthermore, the documentary included allegations that the President had proposed to marry her as a second wife.
