Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail has strongly criticised President Mohamed Muizzu over allegations that he threatened a journalist, warning that such actions must be taken seriously given the country’s history of violence against the press.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson said intimidation of journalists and suppression of dissent were recurring issues under administrations led by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and its allies.
“Every time those of PNC/PPM/DRP are in power, we see the tyranny of ‘leaders’ who threaten and harass anyone that does not fall in line,” Fayyaz wrote, referring to the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), PPM, and the now-defunct Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).
“Given the history of violence against journalists in the Maldives, these threats must be taken seriously before another journalist becomes the victim of violence,” he added.
His remarks came after independent news outlet Adhadhu accused Muizzu of personally threatening its CEO and journalist Hussain Fiyaz Moosa in a phone call on Friday. Adhadhu said the president made the call in anger over remarks made by a political activist at an MDP rally, despite the outlet not having reported on them.
According to Adhadhu, Muizzu warned that he would take the “harshest action” against both Moosa and the news organisation, repeating the threat three times before abruptly ending the call.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has called for a swift and transparent investigation into the allegation, describing it as “extremely serious and alarming.” The association also criticised authorities for failing to act on past threats against Adhadhu journalists.
The President’s Office has not publicly responded to the allegation. The Maldives Police Service has yet to comment on whether it will investigate Adhadhu’s complaint.