Minister claims Adhadhu news published false allegations against President before investigation concluded
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has defended the police search of Adhadhu news outlet, stating it was a necessary step following the publication of defamatory and false allegations against the President. Emphasizing that press freedom is not a license to assassinate character through misinformation, the Minister asserted that no individual or entity is above the law. He further noted that the police investigation is a vital effort to uphold the rule of law and protect the legal rights of the President.
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan. | president office
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusasn has stated that the "Aisha" documentary, published on the social media platforms of the online news outlet "Adhadhu," contains false information, even as the investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
In a post shared on X on Wednesday, the Minister stated that the news outlet 'Adhadhu' had leveled false allegations of adultery against the President. The Minister further asserted that the police investigation and subsequent raid on the media outlet involved in spreading these reports was a correct course of action.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that while freedom of the press is guaranteed, it is not a license to assassinate the character of individuals by spreading falsehoods.
The Minister also referenced several articles from the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. In this regard, he noted that the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to freedom of expression, provided it does not contravene the fundamental tenets of Islam. He further highlighted that the Constitution ensures press freedom, including the right to disseminate news, information, opinions, and ideas.
At the same time, the Minister noted that the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to protection of their reputation and dignity. He emphasized that fabricating and disseminating serious, false allegations does not constitute journalism.
Concluding his post on X, the Minister stated that no one is above the law.
While no investigative body has yet determined the documentary released by Adhadhu to be factualy inaccurate, police conducted a search of the premises on Monday night as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter.
However, the Minister has now determined that these allegations are fabricated and constitute an act of defamation.
The Minister stated that the police are conducting these efforts to uphold the rule of law and to protect the constitutional powers vested in the President.
