The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Control Commission) has instructed media outlets to comply with a Criminal Court order banning Adhadhu's "Aisha" documentary, which features sexual misconduct allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu by a former President's Office employee.
In addition to banning the broadcast of the documentary, the court order issued yesterday prohibits any discussion regarding its contents. The injunction is applicable to the general public.
"As the regulatory body for the media, we instruct [all outlets] to act in accordance with the matters highlighted in the aforementioned case," the Commission stated.
The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has filed criminal charges against Adhadhu’s CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Editor, Hassan Mohamed, in connection with the case. The PG has charged them with Qazf (an Islamic criminal charge for false accusation of adultery or fornication).
Adhadhu released the "Aisha" documentary on March 28.
In the documentary, the interviewed woman leveled serious allegations against Muizzu. Specifically, she alleged that Muizzu maintained an extramarital relationship with her and accused him of sexual harassment.
Prior to the documentary's release, the government spokesperson denied the allegations when questioned. This denial was included in the documentary.
In the video shared across Adhadhu’s social media platforms, the employee’s real identity was kept confidential.
"There are two sofas in the President’s cabin, arranged in an L-shape. The President and I were most frequently physical on the long sofa. Then there is the President’s main table, a round table. I was also physical with the President on that table," she recounted in the documentary.
Following the commencement of the investigation into the documentary, police searched the Adhadhu office under a court warrant and seized equipment, including laptops, hard drives, and computers.
