AISHA Documentary: Criminal Charges Filed Against Adhadhu CEO and Editor

The CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and an Editor Hassan Mohamed from Adhadhu Online have been formally charged with multiple criminal offences, marking a significant escalation in a case that has drawn growing concern over media freedom in the Maldives.

According to reports by the outlet, the charges were filed following police summons issued earlier as part of an ongoing investigation into the “Aisha” documentary, which contained allegations involving President Mohamed Muizzu.

The charges are:

• Vicarious liability and complicity (Section 30 of the Penal Code)
• Vicarious liability and complicity (Section 30(a)(2) of the Penal Code)
• Defamation (Qazf) (Section 612 of the Penal Code)
• Solicitation to commit an offense (Section 81 of the Penal Code)
• Conspiracy to commit an offense (Section 82 of the Penal Code)

The charges follow earlier actions by the Maldives Police Service, including the summoning of senior staff for questioning and the imposition of travel restrictions.

Prior to the charges, police conducted a raid on the newsroom of Adhadhu, seizing electronic devices as part of the investigation. Authorities also sought court orders to restrict the movement of key personnel, including senior editorial figures.

These measures came shortly after President Muizzu publicly rejected the allegations made in the documentary and called for legal action.

The case has unfolded in stages, beginning with the release of the documentary, followed by a police investigation, newsroom raid, travel restrictions, and now formal criminal charges.

This progression signals a shift from inquiry to prosecution, raising questions among observers about the broader implications for journalists and media organizations operating in the country.