Pres. threatens Fiyaz: MPS collects Fiyaz’s statement

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has taken a statement from Husain Fiyaz Moosa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ‘Adhadhu’ news, regarding the case where President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu allegedly threatened him.

Fiyaz was summoned to the police headquarters on Thursday evening to give a statement in connection with the case filed by ‘Adhadhu’ news, requesting an investigation into President Muizzu's threats, as well as a case submitted by the Maldives Media Council asking for the matter to be looked into.

Speaking to RaajjeMV after giving his statement to the police, Fiyaz revealed that statements were taken for both cases and he had explained to the police how the events unfolded.

Fiyaz stressed that based on experiences with governments over the past years of journalism, he felt extreme fear after that day. He added that even though they pretend not to be afraid, they feel that fear in their hearts.

However, the police have not disclosed any information regarding the case yet.

On the night of 14 March 2025, President Muizzu reportedly threatened Fiyaz over the phone. RaajjeMV understands that Muizzu is to have told Fiyaz that he would take “all” possible measures against him.

While the president has threatened Fiyaz in this manner, during a gathering held by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday night as part of the party’s ongoing serial protests against the government, Mahfooz Saeed, a lawyer who is also a director of ‘Adhadhu’, said that it is a big deal for the current president to personally call and threaten individuals.

The reason behind the president’s anger and threat towards the journalist, remains unclear.

In a statement released by Adhadhu news regarding the incident, they stated that they see no reason for the President of the Republic to directly phone and threaten the news outlet.

The news outlet expressed concern over such an act by the country’s president, given that he is the person who is responsible for ensuring the freedom, security and fundamental rights of all citizens of the Maldives as the island nation’s leader.

The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has also expressed concern, stating that receiving threats from the country's leader is absolutely unacceptable.

In their statement, MJA noted that there have been many cases of threats received by various journalists of ‘Adhadhu’ news on multiple occasions, and it is concerning that no adequate action has been taken regarding these matters.

Therefore, MJA has called on the police institution to investigate the case submitted by ‘Adhadhu’ news fairly and as quickly as possible.

MJA stated that although they attempted to get a comment from the President's Office regarding the complaint, the office's communications officials have not provided any response so far.

In addition to MJA, the opposition MDP and many members of the public continue to condemn this act and call on authorities to investigate the matter.