The Civil Court has officially registered a lawsuit filed by Adhadhu, seeking to overturn the President’s Office’s decision to bar the news outlet and its journalists from attending official press conferences. The lawsuit contends that the restriction constitutes a violation of fundamental constitutional rights.
Adhadhu filed the case on September 19, following the ongoing exclusion of its reporters from government briefings. The publication’s legal team confirmed that the case was registered last Thursday, though a hearing date has yet to be scheduled.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the measures taken by the President’s Office infringe upon the freedom of the press and the right to information. The filing argues that these rights were restricted in violation of Article 16 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the claim asserts that the restrictions imposed by the President’s Office exceed the limits permissible in a free and democratic society.
The President’s Office initiated the ban following a press conference on May 11, attended by President Mohamed Muizzu, during which an Adhadhu journalist posed a specific question.
During that briefing, Muizzu unilaterally concluded that the journalist’s question violated a "gag order" issued by the Criminal Court regarding Adhadhu’s documentary, "Aisha." The journalist was removed from the premises.
Later that night, at 11:01 pm, the President’s Office sent a message to a WhatsApp group designated for media communications, formally announcing that Adhadhu would no longer be permitted entry.
Since then, the President’s Office has established a new media WhatsApp group, excluding all Adhadhu journalists. Inquiries directed to media officials regarding this exclusion have been met with silence, with officials failing to even acknowledge receipt of the messages.
On May 18, one week after the restrictions were first imposed, Adhadhu sent a formal letter to the President’s Office requesting a written explanation for the decision. To date, the President’s Office has provided no response.
