Raiding Adhadhu and seizing passports of its journalists is an attempt to criminalize investigative journalism: CPJ

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has stated that the police raid on the "Adhadhu" newsroom and the subsequent travel bans imposed on its journalists appear to be an attempt to criminalize investigative journalism.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on the Maldivian government to cease using criminal investigations as a tool to suppress reporting on the President. The organization further urged authorities to immediately return seized property to the news outlet Adhadhu and to revoke travel bans imposed on its staff.

The organization stated that using criminal laws instead of civil regulations to obstruct journalism sets a dangerous precedent. CPJ further emphasized that authorities must allow journalists the opportunity to hold government institutions accountable.

Commenting on the matter, CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator, Kunal Majumder, stated that actions obstructing press freedom must cease, and emphasized that journalists must be afforded the space to hold state institutions accountable.

The British Ambassador to the Maldives, Nick Low, has also expressed concern following the police raid on the Adhadhu office. In addition, various international media organizations have also voiced their apprehension regarding the operation conducted by the police at the news outlet.

International organizations are highlighting these measures as a significant threat to media freedom and freedom of expression in the Maldives. These organizations emphasize that protecting press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, noting that any infringement upon these rights constitutes a violation of international standards.