The Committee to Protect Journalists and six other press freedom and human rights organizations have written to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, urging his government to cease using the criminal justice system against independent news outlet Adhadhu News.
On April 27, police from the Serious and Organized Crime Department raided Adhadhu’s office in Malé, seizing journalists’ laptops and hard drives in connection to a documentary called “Aisha” that alleged presidential misconduct. Following the raid, authorities imposed travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, and summoned senior staff for questioning.
The letter also raised concern about the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission’s late-April order directing Channel 13 to halt a live broadcast of opposition protests.
The groups issued a number of recommendations to Muizzu, including the immediate return of all seized materials and protection of confidential sources; lifting travel bans on journalists; addressing media disputes through civil remedies rather than criminal cases; and ensuring all government action against the press is constitutional and adheres to international human rights laws.
The letter was also signed by FORUM-ASIA, the International Press Institute, Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center.
Read the full letter here.