South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, is deeply concerned about the escalated actions of the law enforcement authorities in the Maldives to criminalise professional activities of journalists, leading to severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and freedom of the press. SAHR learned that these actions stem from a police investigation into Adhadhu News, following the publication of a documentary entitled ‘Aisha,’ on 28 March 2026. On the night of 27 April 2026, the Maldives Police used a court warrant authorised to search and inspect the outlet’s office premises. While the warrant did not authorise seizure of property, officers confiscated laptops and storage devices from the Adhadhu News offices in Male’. In addition, Adhadhu News CEO and editor were barred from leaving the country through separate Criminal Court warrants, and criminal charges were subsequently filed against them. The situation highlights a grave failure of due diligence and accountability by the Executive, the Judiciary and the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, among other disturbing developments of impunity by State actors.
It is reported that Adhadhu News personnel and other journalists working on the documentary have been subjected to various rights violations, including criminal charges of Qazf (false accusation of adultery in Shari’ah); two remand custody sentences of 15 days and 10 days for violating a broad gag order prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion of the released documentary; and physical removal from a press conference and forcible checking of their mobile phones. Consequently, the President’s Office has announced an indefinite blanket ban on Adhadhu News and its journalists from covering all press briefings. The two journalists who were subjected to contempt of court proceedings were given a two-hour time frame to obtain legal counsel, in violation of due legal processes. All criminal proceedings against the Adhadhu News journalists have been held behind closed doors on grounds of public decency.
Judicial overreach involving closed-door trials and contempt of court charges against journalists’ engagement in their professional activities hinders transparency and due process. Moreover, such actions tarnish the credibility of judicial institutions and undermine public trust and confidence in the judiciary. Initiating a police investigation of the journalists against the charge of Qazf, remanding journalists for contempt of court for carrying out their professional responsibilities amounts to criminalising the profession of journalism. The creation of an environment of intolerance of dissent, the violation of freedom of expression, media freedoms and protections constitute a deeply disturbing sign of democratic backsliding.
SAHR stands in solidarity with local civil society representatives to call on the relevant authorities of the Government of Maldives to immediately release the detained journalists and end the ongoing reprisals against media outlets and media personnel in the Maldives.
SAHR further advocates that in addition to being a state party to the international rights mechanisms, the Maldives Government is also obligated to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
On behalf of the members of the South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. Roshmi Goswami
Co-Chairperson
Dr. P. Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member