The Criminal Court has ordered the handover of passwords for electronic devices seized from the Adhadhu newsroom during a police investigation into the "Aisha" documentary, which was released on March 28.
The court order issued yesterday mandates the provision of passwords for four devices among the items seized by the police. All four devices are Apple MacBooks.
The Criminal Court's order specified that data extraction from these devices must be conducted in the presence of a representative appointed by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
Furthermore, the order noted that since the items were seized during a search of a journalistic establishment, they are subject to legal privilege. The court directed that necessary measures be taken to maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained and to ensure its protection.
The court also stipulated that any evidence gathered under this order must be used exclusively for the case mentioned in the warrant.
Police raided the Adhadhu office on the night of April 27, exactly one month after the release of the "Aisha" documentary, following inquiries made regarding the allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
After a search operation lasting approximately four hours, police seized 20 devices, including laptops used by the newsroom, hard drives, and other electronic equipment.
Ten officers participated in the raid, including an officer armed with a taser.
Two Adhadhu journalists were previously jailed for allegedly violating a court order that prohibited discussion of the "Aisha" documentary.
In connection with the case, Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed are currently undergoing trial.
