CPJ calls for charges against Adhadhu journalists to be dropped

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Maldives Prosecutor General’s Office to immediately withdraw criminal charges filed against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed of Adhadhu, warning that criminalizing journalism poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in the Maldives.

In a statement posted on X, CPJ said the prosecution of journalists for their reporting undermines media freedom and creates a chilling effect on independent journalism.

The organization also condemned the removal of journalist Mohamed Shauhzaan from a press briefing held at the President's Office after he asked what CPJ described as an “uncomfortable question.”

“Journalists must be able to ask questions and carry out their work without intimidation or exclusion,” CPJ said.

The statement comes amid growing concerns from media organizations and opposition figures over the state of press freedom in the Maldives, following the criminal case linked to the “Aisha” documentary and recent confrontations between journalists and government officials.