Minister Ihusaan defends Adhadhu raid, cites legal grounds over false allegations
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has stated that the ongoing police investigation into the spread of false allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu is lawful, defending the recent raid on Adhadhu news.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Ihusaan emphasised that while press freedom is protected under Maldivian law, it does not extend to the dissemination of false and damaging claims.
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,
He wrote
Citing constitutional provisions, the minister highlighted the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual reputation.
He added that the Constitution of Maldives guarantees:
• Article 27: Freedom of expression (not contrary to tenets of Islam)
• Article 28: Freedom of the media to publish news and views
• Article 33: Right to protect one’s reputation and good name
He further stressed that spreading fabricated accusations, particularly serious allegations, does not constitute journalism.
Spreading fabricated serious accusations is not journalism. Police are upholding the rule of law and the President’s constitutional rights. Responsible freedom comes with accountability. No one is above the law
Minister added
The Maldives Police Service conducted a raid on the office of Adhadhu news as part of the investigation, seizing items deemed necessary for the case.
In a brief statement, police confirmed that the search operation was carried out in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.
However, no further details regarding the case were disclosed.
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