Press Statement

Maldives: President allegedly threatens Adhadhu CEO

19 Mar, 2025

On March 14, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is alleged to have threatened and intimidated prominent journalist and CEO of independent news outlet Adhadhu, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa. The International Federation of Journalists joins its affiliate, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) in condemning all forms of harassment and intimidation targeted to journalists because of their work and calling on law enforcement to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the allegations.

Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu (C) stands for the national anthem at the National Stadium in Male on December 24, 2024. Credit: Mohamed Afrah / AFP

The outlet reports that the President contacted and threatened Fiyaz at 7:04 pm on March 14, alleging Muizzu threatened to take ‘strict action’ against the journalist and Adhadhu for recent coverage. The article announced the decision by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed to commence legal action against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party for comments made about their son by a party activist at a rally.

On March 15, independent news outlet Adhadhu launched an official complaint with the Maldives Police Serviceto investigate the alleged threats, as well as a formal complaint to the MJA. In a letter sent to the IFJ on March 18, the outlet alleges that Muizzu government has launched a targeted campaign to diminish the news outlet, cutting funding and pressuring advertising partners to cease financial relationships with the news outlet.

The outlet further claimed that following the achievement of an investigative media award by Adhadhu for a documentary on Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s stepmother, Gnei Skeelan, the Muizzu government attempted to pressure the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC), to rescind the award.

Both the MJA and the MMC have requested further information from the President’s Office but have failed to receive a response. That same day, the MDP lawmaker requested to summon Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, who oversees the Maldives Police Service in his ministerial portfolio, to clarify whether security was provided to the news outlet.

In a statement, the outlet said, “We note that there was absolutely no reason for the President to directly contact and threaten Adhadhu and its journalists over remarks made by an MDP member during an MDP rally.”

The MJA said: “We condemn all forms of threats, harassment, and any attempts to intimidate journalists regarding their work.  We call on the Maldives Police Service for an urgent and open investigation into the complaint submitted by Adhadhu.”

The IFJ said:“The IFJ strongly condemns any threats, harassment or attempts to intimidate journalists for their reporting, especially from senior elected officials. Law enforcement must conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into these allegations and urge the President’s Office to publicly clarify this situation.”

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
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