The Adhadhu management has expressed concern over the President’s Office’s failure to provide the written notice for its decision to bar the outlet’s journalists from official press conferences, nearly a month after the ban was announced.
The President’s Office took action against Adhadhu following a question posed by journalist Mohamed Shahzan during a press conference attended by President Mohamed Muizzu.
During the press conference, Muizzu interrupted Shahzan, claiming his question violated a "gag order" issued by the Criminal Court regarding the documentary "Aisha" produced by Adhadhu. Shahzan was then removed from the President's Office.
Later that night, at 11:01 pm, a message was sent to a WhatsApp group designated for media communications, stating that Adhadhu would no longer be allowed to attend briefings.
Since then, the President’s Office has established a new WhatsApp group for media relations, but no journalists from Adhadhu have been included. Media officials at the President’s Office have ignored inquiries regarding the exclusion, failing to even acknowledge receipt of messages.
A week after the ban was imposed, Adhadhu sent a formal letter to the President’s Office on May 18, requesting a written clarification of the measures taken against the outlet. To date, the letter remains unanswered.
Expressing concern over the lack of communication, Adhadhu’s CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, said that the failure to provide the decision in writing has obstructed the outlet’s ability to pursue necessary legal remedies.
"We have requested the documentation of this action through formal letters, verbal inquiries, and messages. However, we have received no response. This is a deliberate attempt to obstruct Adhadhu’s work and hinder press freedom," Fiyaz said.
In its communication regarding the measure, the President’s Office indicated that the "suspension" would remain in effect until the conclusion of the Criminal Court trial against Fiyaz and Adhadhu Editor Hassan Mohamed.
The court case is currently in its preliminary stages. During the most recent hearing, both Fiyaz and Hassan denied the charges of Qazf (an Islamic offence of falsely accusing someone of adultery or fornication).
