Spokesperson says President did not lodge complaint as questions arise over police search and court‑ordered passport seizure

The President’s Office spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Rasheed (Mundhu) says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has not filed any case against Adhadhu, the outlet that published serious allegations against him.

On the 28th of last month, Adhadhu published a documentary based on an interview given by an anonymous individual.

The outlet reported that police entered its office with a court order on Monday evening. According to the order, police intervened in connection with the documentary, the journalists said.

Police said the office was being searched under a court order in connection with a case under investigation. No further details were provided.

In addition to the search of the newsroom, the Criminal Court also issued an order to seize Fiyaz’s passport.

The court order, issued at 22:11 pm, stated that the passport was seized because police believed it was important for Fiyaz to remain in the Maldives for the investigation of a criminal case.

The order states that Fiyaz’s passport will be withheld from Monday until the 26th of next month. His case is being investigated by the Serious and Organized Crime Investigation Department.

A case of threats against Fiyaz, who has worked in the media for many years, was reported to police in March last year.

When asked about the case, Mundhu said the government could not comment on a criminal investigation being conducted by police.

“I have nothing to say about an ongoing police investigation. The government cannot and will not say anything related to it,” he said.

However, he clarified that the President had not filed a complaint, noting that questions were being raised as to whether the complaint originated from the President.

The opposition MDP and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) have also expressed concern over the police search. Journalists also staged a protest outside the newspaper’s office.

The government has previously faced criticism over attempts to increase control over the media. A bill was introduced in Parliament on August 18 last year to give the government expanded authority over the media. The bill was moved by government‑affiliated Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr.

The government expressed support for the bill. However, journalists raised concerns from the outset. Journalists also protested in the committee that passed the bill, saying their concerns had not been addressed.

After the ruling PNC’s supermajority passed the bill, several journalists called for it not to be ratified. However, on September 18, the President approved the bill. A new broadcasting commission has since been formed under the law.