The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Maldives government to end the climate of intimidation and impunity so journalists can work without fear of violence or legal action.

The CPJ noted that Adhadhu was ordered to "remove a satirical cartoon about corruption on spurious religious grounds" under the Media and Broadcasting Commission Act.

"The act of censorship follows worrying reports of harassment of journalists, including the president of the Maldives Journalist Association, Ahmed Naif, who received graphic death threats on social media after discussing government policies on a podcast," the CPJ said.

The commission ordered Adhadhu to stop its political cartoon segment and to temporarily remove the cartoon published on January 22.

The cartoon depicted a man being pickpocketed during a prayer congregation. Adhadhu said the intention of the cartoon was to highlight the prevalence of theft and corruption in society.

Adhadhu said the commission's order intends to stop freedom of expression within the boundaries of the Constitution and laws.

In a statement, Adhadhu said a case will be filed at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) because commission members had abused their authority.

Adhadhu has also filed a case in the Civil Court seeking to quash the order issued by the Media Control Commission.