Global media organizations have started covering the incident where law enforcement searched the premises of the Adhadhu newspaper, which released a documentary containing serious accusations against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Last month, Adhadhu launched a documentary that included an interview with an unidentified woman who asserted she had a close connection with the President. The interview revealed that the woman worked for the government.

On Monday evening, the police conducted a raid at the newspaper's office in response to the claims presented in the documentary. The passports of CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed have been confiscated for three months, and they have both been summoned to appear before the police.

The passport of Easha Ashraf, a former political figure, has likewise been confiscated in relation to the documentary.

Adhadhu stated that the police examined the office and took away various items.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) voiced alarm regarding the raid and encouraged journalists to remain unafraid. The opposing MDP has issued comparable requests, and British High Commissioner Nicholas David Low has voiced worry as well.

The situation has now been covered by prominent global media, such as Al Jazeera and the BBC.

Al Jazeera stated that the search warrant charged the organization and its personnel with "qazf," meaning the false claim of adultery or illicit sexual activity, a crime punishable by one year and seven months in prison and possibly 80 lashes.

BBC reports emphasized the raid, the confiscation of passports, and the increasing backlash from press-freedom organizations and diplomats.

Al Jazeera stated that it sought a response from Senior Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), who indicated he would reply later since he was getting on a flight. In a conversation with Sun on Monday, Mundhu stated that the government cannot and will not provide comments on a criminal investigation carried out by the police, but emphasized that the President had not presented such a case.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged for the retrieval of items taken from Adhadhu’s office and for the removal of travel restrictions imposed on its leaders. CPJ stated that the directives threaten to criminalize investigative journalism while claiming to safeguard religious and national interests.

Several foreign media sources have also indicated that high-ranking government officials supported the police actions. Home Minister Ali Ihusaan stated that the office may be investigated regarding false claims made by the outlet. Additional officials have also expressed their backing for the police.