The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) security personnel stationed at the President's Office seized and inspected a journalist's phone after President Mohamed Muizzu's press conference today.
Adhadhu has learned that the security team inspected Raajje TV journalist Shaihan Zareer's phone. His device was confiscated on suspicion of recording the press conference.
In addition to Shaihan, MNDF security requested several other journalists to hand over their phones for inspection. However, those journalists refused to comply with the request.
President's Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) told Adhadhu that special regulations govern press conferences, outlining permitted and prohibited conduct.
He noted that security at the President's Office is managed by the MNDF and directed further inquiries regarding the matter to the military. He did not provide additional details.
On March 31, the President's Office issued a set of guidelines regarding attendance and coverage of press conferences held at the premises.
According to these rules, mobile phones cannot be used for photography, videography, or audio recording during press briefings.
The MNDF has yet to comment on the matter.
