Police seize woman’s passport for three months in investigation linked to documentary

A woman’s passport was seized on Tuesday in connection with a video documentary that made allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter.

Officers raided the office of the newspaper on Monday under a court order related to the documentary, during which a large quantity of equipment was taken.

Police have also seized the passport of a young woman under a separate court order. Her passport has been withheld for three months. It is understood that she previously worked at the President’s Office.

In addition, police seized the passports of Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and the outlet’s editor Hassan Mohamed for three months.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has expressed concern over the police raid. Some journalists also staged a peaceful protest outside the office.

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has not yet commented on the raid. The commission’s chairman, Mohamed Farshath, did not respond to a request for comment.

The police action at the newspaper’s office has raised concerns about press freedom.