Minister of Homeland Security, Labour, and Technology Ali Ihusan says the Police were right to investigate and raid the news outlet over false “Zina” allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Last night, the police raided the office of local news outlet "Adhadhu" in Male' in which police took away electronic equipment from the office about the documentary titled "Aisha", in which an anonymous female source recounted an illicit relationship between her and the President.
In a post about the raid, the Home Minister said that Press freedom is guaranteed, but not a free pass to destroy reputations with lies.
He further said that the constitution defined several rights, including the freedom of expression (not contrary to the tenets of Islam), freedom of the media to publish news and views, and the right to protect one's reputation and good name.
Minister Ihusan stated that spreading fabricated serious accusations is defamation and not journalism. He added that the Police are upholding the rule of law and the President’s constitutional rights.
At a press conference held yesterday, the President denied the allegations depicted in the documentary and stated that he would be taking legal action against those who made these allegations.
Before the 2023 Presidential Elections, "Adhadhu" released a documentary alleging that the then-Presidential Candidate Muizzu had caused emotional harm to his stepmother after his father's death.
