Press Statement: Concerns Over Restrictions on Freedom of Media, Expression and Assembly Amid Ongoing Political Protests – Transparency Maldives

Transparency Maldives expressed serious concern over recent restrictions on media freedom and assembly in the Maldives, particularly a raid on Adhadhu News offices by the Maldives Police Service on 27 April 2026. Police seized laptops and hard drives from journalists and staff under a court order, despite concerns that the warrant did not authorize seizure and no media industry body was present, as required by the Criminal Procedure Code. Transparency Maldives highlighted violations of Article 28 of the Constitution protecting journalistic sources. Separate court orders imposed travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, with multiple charges brought. The organization called for cessation of criminal actions against journalists, return of seized equipment, and protection of press freedom.

Transparency Maldives expressed serious concern over recent restrictions on media freedom and assembly in the Maldives, particularly a raid on Adhadhu News offices by the Maldives Police Service on 27 April 2026. Police seized laptops and hard drives from journalists and staff under a court order, despite concerns that the warrant did not authorize seizure and no media industry body was present, as required by the Criminal Procedure Code. Transparency Maldives highlighted violations of Article 28 of the Constitution protecting journalistic sources. Separate court orders imposed travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, with multiple charges brought. The organization called for cessation of criminal actions against journalists, return of seized equipment, and protection of press freedom.

Transparency Maldives expressed serious concern over recent restrictions on media freedom and assembly in the Maldives, particularly a raid on Adhadhu News offices by the Maldives Police Service on 27 April 2026. Police seized laptops and hard drives from journalists and staff under a court order, despite concerns that the warrant did not authorize seizure and no media industry body was present, as required by the Criminal Procedure Code. Transparency Maldives highlighted violations of Article 28 of the Constitution protecting journalistic sources. Separate court orders imposed travel bans on Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, with multiple charges brought. The organization called for cessation of criminal actions against journalists, return of seized equipment, and protection of press freedom.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of freedom of media / political protests.