Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has condemned what he described as the government’s efforts to undermine freedom of the press in the Maldives, saying that such attempts will not succeed.
In a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Ismail stated that “disclosure of information and freedom of the press are not what dictators want”, and that the current administration, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, would be unable to destroy the free press.
“This government can do nothing but threaten to take harsh action against everything. I condemn the intimidation of journalists and obstruction of journalism,” he wrote. Ismail further accused the government of coming to power through a campaign built on “provocative and false” claims, adding that “the truth will be revealed even if the government lies upon lies to hide its incompetence.”
Ismail’s comments come in response to the government’s threat to take legal action against Adhadhu, an online news outlet, for reporting that President Muizzu was allegedly distributing MVR 50,000 per month to each parliament member, specifically those from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
In a statement posted on X, government spokesperson Heena Waleed denied the allegations, stating that the government was pursuing legal action against the spread of “false news” about the President.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the government and media outlets, with press freedom becoming a contentious issue since the Muizzu administration took office in November last year.
