The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has condemned the government for threatening legal action against local news website Adhadhu, calling it an attack on press freedom. In a statement issued Wednesday, the MDP urged the government to stop obstructing the media and to cease any intimidation of journalists, highlighting that freedom of information is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution under Article 28.
MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail also voiced strong opposition to the government’s actions, accusing the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of attempting to silence the press. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ismail said, “Disclosure of information and freedom of the press are not what dictators want,” adding that the Muizzu administration will not succeed in destroying 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,” Ismail wrote. He further criticised the administration, accusing it of rising to power on a campaign built on “provocative and false” claims, and insisted that “the truth will be revealed, even if the government lies to hide its incompetence.”
The controversy stems from a report that claimed President Muizzu had distributed MVR 5,000 to each Progressive National Congress (PNC) MP this month. The government strongly denied the allegations, with spokesperson Heena Waleed dismissing the claims as “false news” and confirming that legal action was being taken.
