Media Commission says it cannot set investigative standards after criticism over Adhadhu raid

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has issued a statement saying the commission has no legal authority to set investigative standards for the police.

Police raided the office of the Adhadhu newspaper on Monday in connection with a documentary released last month. A large number of electronic devices was seized from the newsroom.

The passports of the newspaper’s CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed were seized, and both were ordered to appear before the police.

The Media Commission had faced criticism for remaining silent and not responding to questions following the raid.

27 އެޕްރީލް 2026 ގެ ވަގުތެއްގައި އަދަދުގެ ވަޞީލަތްތައް ފުލުހުންގެ ބެލުމުގެ ދަށަށް ގެންދިއުމާ ގުޅޭ pic.twitter.com/0vTiDxWhfl

— Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (@MmbcMv) April 28, 2026

In its statement, the Commission said it is mandated by law to enforce administrative standards as a regulator in upholding press freedom, but it does not have the authority to determine the standards to be followed in obtaining information required for a police investigation.

However, the Commission noted that it will investigate issues related to content published by the media and take administrative action where necessary.

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

The current Media Commission was formed after the previous Broadcasting Commission and Media Council were dissolved under a new law that drew criticism from journalists.