President Mohamed Muizzu’s government today forced a journalist out of a live press conference at the President’s Office. The journalist, Mohamed Shahzan from Adhadhu news website, was expelled after he asked the President about serious claims of sexual misconduct. Security officers removed Shahzan after he raised questions about the documentary called “Aisha”. President Muizzu said the journalist broke a court order and called the allegations “completely false”. He then ordered him to leave.
What is the “Aisha” Documentary?
The documentary was released by Adhadhu on March 28, 2026. It includes an interview with a woman who used to work at the President’s Office. She claims she had a sexual relationship with President Muizzu and accuses him of misconduct. The President is a married man.Government Actions Against the News Outlet Since the documentary came out, the government has taken strong action against Adhadhu:
- Police Raid: On April 27, police raided Adhadhu’s office and took away journalists’ computers and other equipment.
- Travel Ban: The CEO and Managing Editor were stopped from leaving the country.
- Court Cases: The government filed serious criminal charges against them. These charges could lead to jail time and even physical punishment (lashes).
- Threats: Some journalists have received death threats.
Today’s removal of the journalist is the latest example of this pressure. International Reaction Many international groups have strongly criticized the Maldives government:
- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- Human Rights Watch
They say the government is using harsh laws and police power to punish journalists and stop them from doing their job.
