President’s Office cites Criminal Court order, bars Adhadhu from all briefings

Journalists from Adhadhu have been barred from attending press conferences held at the President’s Office.

In a media message, the President’s Office said police had informed the Office that a criminal case is currently being investigated in the Criminal Court over video content circulated via an Adhadhu social‑media account. The message also noted that the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission is investigating a related case.

The President’s Office said that at the press conference held at 10:00 am on Monday, Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan acted in violation of a Criminal Court order issued in connection with the ongoing case. Citing Article 13 of the Regulations on Attendance and Coverage of Press Conferences of the Office of the President, the Office said journalists representing Adhadhu will not be allowed to attend any press conferences organized by the Office from Monday onward.

https://t.co/ToNGNxxD3P

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) May 11, 2026

The order was issued after Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan was expelled from Monday’s briefing for asking questions President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pressed were in breach of a court directive. The move has drawn concern among media‑rights observers, who note that the Constitution guarantees journalists the right to question public officials and that restrictions on press access, especially those linked to court orders, can have a chilling effect on coverage of politically sensitive cases.

Legal experts also point out that the Criminal Court’s directive comes at a time when the administration is already facing public scrutiny over allegations of judicial influence, and that limiting access to presidential press briefings in connection with an active case may raise further questions about transparency.