Adhadhu has decided not to remove a political cartoon as ordered by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Control Commission).

In a letter sent to the commission, Adhadhu said the order was issued through political influence and added that the cartoon does not violate the laws.

The commission informed Adhadhu about an investigation into the cartoon after official working hours ended at 5:30 pm on January 22.

It ordered the news website to remove the content from its X and Facebook accounts.

In its response, Adhadhu asked the commission to explain the legal reasons for the decision to declare that the cartoon violates the principles of Islam.

But the commission was not able to clarify the reasons.

"This cartoon shows the extent to which theft is common in the Maldives. It also shows that religion is commonly used as a tool to cover up corruption," Adhadhu stated in its letter.

Adhadhu further said the commission is using religion as an excuse to take action against the cartoon because it believes that the cartoon depicts a certain politician, proving that it delivers a factual message.

On Sunday (January 25), the commission issued a statement to stop the circulation of the cartoon after social media users began to share it to protest against the commission's order.

But the commission faced further criticism for attempting to control social media platforms. It later changed the statement and said the content must not be circulated by "any media."