Minister Saeed Criticises Adhadhu Journalist for Questioning President in Violation of Court Order

Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed has criticised the conduct of an Adhadhu journalist who questioned President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at a press conference despite a Criminal Court order prohibiting any direct or indirect commentary on a recently released video documentary.

In a post on X, Minister Saeed said the government has consistently upheld freedom of expression and press freedom, describing them as essential pillars of democracy. He argued, however, that some outlets were misusing that freedom and behaving as if they were staging a protest inside the President’s Office under the guise of journalism.

“Press conferences are not an opportunity to make personal jokes, make up lies, break laws and defame the courts,” he said. He added that President Muizzu meets journalists every week to explain government policy through responsible reporting.

At today’s briefing at the President’s Office, Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan asked the President about the video documentary that the Criminal Court had ordered not to be discussed. In response, President Muizzu said Shahzan had violated the court order and instructed security to escort him out of the hall.

According to the President, a journalism pass does not grant permission to infringe on anyone’s reputation. “Nothing can be done against a court order in this hall. The rule of law will be maintained within the President’s Office,” he said.

The Criminal Court issued the gag order yesterday after the prosecution sought action against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohamed. The order stated that the offence of qazf is a major sin in Islamic Sharia and carries severe punishment. The court said the restrictions were necessary to protect the dignity and reputation of those involved.

The order prohibits:

• Circulating the video documentary released by Adhadhu
• Mentioning any part of the documentary, directly or indirectly
• Referring to the alleged victim in connection with the documentary
• Disseminating documents or information related to the case or trial

Any violation will be treated as contempt of court.

Before the exchange with Shahzan, President Muizzu said the Maldives is a country where freedom of expression is widely upheld, but all citizens must act within the Constitution. He said freedom of expression cannot be used to act against Islam or to damage reputations.

“It is not a right of anyone. Wearing a journalism pass is not a licence to insult people’s reputations,” he said.