The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has issued a stern condemnation of alleged threats made by President Mohamed Muizzu against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the CEO of the independent news outlet Adhadhu. The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 14, 2025, at 7:04 pm, has sparked widespread concern over press freedom in the Maldives, with the IFJ and its affiliate, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), calling for an immediate and transparent investigation.
According to Adhadhu, President Muizzu personally contacted Fiyaz and threatened to take “strict action” against both the journalist and the outlet due to its recent coverage. This coverage included an article announcing that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed intends to pursue legal action against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) over comments made by a party activist about the couple’s son during a rally. Adhadhu has argued that the President’s direct intervention was unwarranted, stating, “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.”
In response to the alleged threats, Adhadhu filed an official complaint with the Maldives Police Service on March 15, urging authorities to investigate the matter. The outlet also lodged a formal grievance with the MJA, amplifying calls for accountability. In a letter sent to the IFJ on March 18, Adhadhu alleged that the Muizzu administration has launched a targeted campaign to undermine the outlet’s operations. This includes cutting funding and pressuring advertising partners to sever financial ties with the news organization, actions that threaten its sustainability and independence.
The controversy deepened with claims that the Muizzu government sought to suppress Adhadhu’s journalistic achievements. Following the outlet’s receipt of an investigative media award for a documentary about Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s stepmother, Gnei Skeelan, the administration reportedly pressured the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) to rescind the accolade. Both the MJA and MMC have sought clarification from the President’s Office regarding these allegations but have yet to receive a response, further fueling concerns over transparency.
The situation has drawn significant attention from lawmakers as well. On March 15, an MDP parliamentarian called for Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, who oversees the Maldives Police Service, to be summoned to explain whether security measures have been provided to Adhadhu amid these threats. The lack of a clear response from the government has intensified scrutiny of its commitment to press freedom.
The MJA has been unequivocal in its stance, declaring, “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 echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation: “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.”
This incident comes at a time when press freedom in the Maldives is under increasing strain. The alleged actions by President Muizzu, a senior elected official, raise serious questions about the government’s respect for independent journalism and its willingness to tolerate dissent.
