Minister Defends Police Search, Citing Constitutional Limits on Media Conduct

The Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has defended the police search of Adhadhu’s office, saying the operation was carried out within constitutional boundaries and in response to what officials describe as fabricated allegations of Zina against the President.

Police executed the search under a Criminal Court warrant as part of an ongoing investigation. Adhadhu said officers seized several electronic devices during the operation. The police have not disclosed further details, citing rules that apply to active cases.

In a post on X, the minister said press freedom does not extend to publishing unverified claims that could harm a person’s reputation. He referred to three constitutional provisions. Article 27 protects freedom of expression within the tenets of Islam. Article 28 guarantees media freedom. Article 33 protects every individual’s right to a good name.

Officials said the allegations made by the outlet were false and argued that the police response reflected the state’s responsibility to uphold the law.

The minister wrote on X: “Spreading fabricated serious accusations is not journalism. Police are upholding the rule of law and the President’s constitutional rights. Responsible freedom comes with accountability. No one is above the law.”

Government officials have maintained that the administration supports a free press while stressing that rights come with obligations, particularly in cases involving serious accusations.

The search follows controversy surrounding a documentary Adhadhu aired on social media ahead of the local council election and the referendum vote, which government officials condemned as defamatory and misleading. The outlet had earlier produced a documentary during the presidential election that supporters of President Muizzu criticised as an attempt to discredit him and influence the outcome of the vote. These productions placed the outlet at the centre of repeated disputes over accuracy, slander and the boundaries of responsible reporting.

Adhadhu has not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming the raid and the seizure of equipment. The investigation remains ongoing.