Maldivian police last night violently cracked down on peaceful protesters demanding the release of two jailed Adhadhu journalists. Officers barricaded roads, arrested at least 10 MDP supporters, and launched direct attacks on working journalists turning a legitimate democratic protest into a scene of chaos and brutality.
Hundreds of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters, led by former President Mohamed Nasheed, took to the streets of Male’ on May 13 to protest the imprisonment of Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Naseer. Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days for simply asking President Muizzu a question at a press conference. Leevan received 10 days for reporting on a court gag order. These are the first imprisonments of journalists in the Maldives since the return of democracy.
Excessive Force and Arbitrary Arrests What began as a peaceful march quickly turned ugly. A large number of police officers barricaded the roads and arrested at least 10 MDP supporters. Among those detained was MDP social activist Lucas Jalyl. The crackdown did not stop at protesters.
Police turned their aggression toward the media covering the event. Raajje TV Deputy Editor Mahthoom reported that officers repeatedly pushed and blocked their cameraman and journalists, even while they were following instructions. Journalist Mary Ismail described how a Special Operations officer brutally attacked her with a police shield while she was clearly showing her press card multiple times. Her cameraman was also assaulted and prevented from doing his job.
People’s National Front (PNF) supporters brought the now-infamous “L Sofa” the symbol made famous by Adhadhu’s investigative documentary “Aisha” as a protest prop. A physical tussle erupted when police tried to snatch the sofa away from the protesters, creating yet another undignified spectacle for the authorities.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has strongly condemned the police attacks on journalists. MJA observers who were present confirmed multiple incidents of obstruction and physical assaults. The Association has demanded a full investigation and made it clear that such harassment and attacks on the media must stop immediately.
This protest is a direct response to the shocking police raid on Adhadhu’s office on April 27, 2026. Instead of addressing the serious questions raised by the outlet’s reporting, the authorities responded with raids, equipment seizures, travel bans, gag orders, and now the jailing of journalists. The message from this government is loud and clear: question power, and you will be punished.
