Ex-chief justice Didi: Ihusan influencing probe into ‘Aisha’ documentary, Police unable to act independently

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi, on Wednesday night, states that the Police are not in a position to conduct an independent investigation into the ‘Aisha’ documentary published by Adhadhu, alleging that Home Minister Ali Ihusaan is exerting undue influence over the process.

The investigation concerns a documentary raising serious allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. As part of the inquiry, authorities conducted a search of Adhadhu newsroom on Monday night.

Following the raid, Minister Ihusaan posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday morning, firmly denying the allegations made against the President in the documentary. While acknowledging that freedom of the press is a constitutionally protected right, the Minister emphasized that it does not constitute a "free pass” to defame individuals with lies.

Maldives Police are right to investigate & raid the news outlet over false “Zina” allegations against the President. Press freedom is guaranteed, but not a free pass to destroy reputations with lies. Constitution of Maldives:
• Art 27: Freedom of expression (not contrary to…

— Minister of Homeland Security, Labour & Technology (@min_mohst) April 28, 2026

Additionally, Ihusaan stated that the Police are working to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the constitutional rights of the President, adding responsible freedom comes with accountability.

In response to the Minister’s remarks, Adhadhu accused him of determining the outcome of the case while the investigation remained ongoing.

Commenting on the matter, the former Chief Justice noted that although the police service operates under the oversight of the Home Ministry, the Minister does not have the legal authority to interfere in criminal investigations. Didi argued that the Minister’s social media statements suggest a clear degree of influence over the inquiry, thereby undermining the likelihood of conducting an impartial investigating with integrity.

"The facts alleged against the President in the [Aisha] documentary are of such a nature that they warrant a parliamentary inquiry by the People’s Majlis," Didi added. 

He further emphasized if state institutions are unable to investigate the matter with the required level of integrity, it would be necessary to appoint a special independent investigator to oversee the case.

These remarks comes after Adhadhu’s CEO and Chief Editor, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, along with Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, were summoned by the Police for questioning on Wednesday. Both of them exercised their right to remain silent. Fiyaz faces allegations of five criminal offenses, while Hassan has been accused of three.