The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has called on authorities to take threats "seriously before another journalist becomes the victim of violence."

On Saturday night, Adhadhu filed a police complaint after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu phoned and threatened Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa. He received the phone call at 7:04 pm on March 14.

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"Intimidating journalists and silencing dissent is no new experience to us Maldivians. Every time those of PNC/PPM/DRP are in power, we see the tyranny of “leaders” who threaten and harass anyone that does not fall in line," Fayyaz said.

Muizzu contacted Fiyaz to express anger over comments about a family member by a political activist during an opposition rally. In the minute-long phone call, Muizzu threatened strict action against Fiyaz and Adhadhu.

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"We note that there was absolutely no reason for the President to directly contact and threaten Adhadhu and its journalists over remarks made by an MDP member during an MDP rally," Adhadhu said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) called for an immediate and fair investigation into the matter.