President Muizzu is obstructing press freedom, but independent news outlets cannot be silenced: Meekail

Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is obstructing press freedom. He asserted that despite the President's attempts to suppress independent news outlets and channels, such efforts will ultimately fail.

Speaking at Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, Meekail stated that freedom of the press is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. However, he asserted that President Muizzu is currently obstructing this right and called for an immediate end to these actions.

The raid on Adhadhu News took place many days after the incident in question occurred. Why now? It was triggered while the President was in the middle of a press conference. How can a person like this lead a nation? How can we keep someone so short-tempered and impulsive in the presidency of the Maldives? We have no way of knowing what erratic decisions he might make tomorrow. When a government suffers such a landslide defeat in an election, the focus should be on reform and correction.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.

Meekail stated that press freedom is a right secured for the people through the tireless efforts of many. He emphasized that this freedom was achieved in the Maldives through the hard work of the MDP and numerous individuals dedicated to reform, and insisted that all attempts to obstruct these liberties must cease.

I call upon President Muizzu to immediately cease his interference with press freedom in the Maldives—a fundamental right established through the tireless reform efforts of the Maldivian Democratic Party and many others. If President Muizzu does not halt these actions immediately, our protests will not end. Adhadhu will not be silenced, nor will any other news outlet. RaajjeTV will not be stopped. Our movement will remain steadfast.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.

While Meekail has accused the current administration of obstructing press freedom, he also submitted an emergency motion to Parliament on Tuesday regarding the police raid on the 'Adhadhu' news office. The motion follows the seizure of property and equipment by authorities in connection with the documentary 'Aisha,' which was released on the outlet's social media platforms.

However, the chair ruled the motion inadmissible and subsequently dismissed it.