Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsan, has stated that spreading false allegations does not constitute journalism and that the police raid on the "Adhadhu" news office was a necessary and justified action.

Following allegations that the outlet committed qazf (false accusation of adultery) against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a recent documentary, police raided the Adhadhu office last night, seizing several electronic items. Additionally, based on intelligence reports suggesting that Adhadhu's CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, was preparing to leave the country, his passport has been withheld, and a travel ban has been imposed.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) today, Minister Ihsaan asserted that the raid was a rightful response to the false accusations of adultery leveled against the President. He emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, it does not grant the freedom to fabricate lies or commit character assassination.

The Minister’s post cited several key articles of the Maldivian Constitution:

Article 27: Freedom of expression (provided it does not contravene the principles of Islam).Article 28: Freedom of the media (to publish news and opinions).Article 33: The right of every person to the protection of their reputation and honor.Minister Ihsan stated that the police will uphold the rule of law and the constitutional rights afforded to the President. He remarked that "responsible freedom involves accountability" and that no individual or media outlet is above the law.

He further described the false accusations of adultery as a direct attack on the President’s personal dignity, his family, and the office he holds.

"Such baseless narratives can lead to a loss of public trust, create social division, and cause irreparable harm," the Minister warned.The Minister maintained that in any democratic society governed by the rule of law, authorities must have the capability to investigate criminal offenses like qazf when there is reasonable suspicion.

Clarifying that the police are "not attacking journalists," Ihsaan explained that their actions are focused on a specific case where rights have been violated due to the spreading of falsehoods. He concluded by stating that Maldivians deserve a media environment free from lies and defamation, and that the independence of responsible journalism must be defended.