Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed serious concern over the sharp decline in press freedom in the Maldives. In a statement released on May 20, 2026, the organisation highlighted the jailing of two journalists and a series of actions against the independent news outlet Adhadhu under President Mohamed Muizzu’s government. HRW described the developments as a dangerous backsliding on media freedom – the first time journalists have been imprisoned on criminal charges since the democratic constitution of 2008.
Key Incidents:
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Journalists Jailed: On May 12, 2026, journalists Leevan Ali Naseer and Mohamed Shahzan from Adhadhu were sentenced to 10 and 15 days in prison respectively. They were convicted for reporting on a court-issued gag order related to the “Aisha” documentary. Both were also fined approximately MVR 26,000 (US$1,700).
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Newsroom Raid: On April 27, authorities raided Adhadhu’s office in Malé, seizing laptops and hard drives. This followed the outlet’s broadcast in March 2026 of the documentary “Aisha,” which alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of power by President Muizzu. The President has denied the allegations.
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Serious Charges: Adhadhu’s CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and managing editor, Hassan Mohamed, face “qazf” charges (false accusation of adultery under Islamic law). These can carry up to 19 months in prison and up to 80 lashes. Travel bans have also been imposed on them.
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Detention Conditions: The jailed journalists were held in poor and unsanitary conditions at Maafushi prison. One was reportedly placed in solitary confinement and denied medical treatment.
Broader Crackdown
These actions follow the passage of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in September 2025, which gives the government significant control over media regulation. In response, journalists and opposition supporters held protests in Malé. Police arrested several demonstrators, and on May 19, 13 media outlets observed a 12-hour media blackout in protest.
Three former presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and Ibrahim Solih issued a joint letter urging the release of the detained journalists and protesters.
Reactions Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, stated:
“The Maldives government’s wrongful jailing of two journalists and raiding of independent news outlets sends a chilling message about media freedom in the country. The government should urgently reverse the dangerous backsliding on media freedom.”
HRW has called for the immediate release of the two journalists, the dropping of all charges against media personnel, and stronger protection for press freedom.
Source: Human Rights Watch
