Maldives dropped four places in the Reporters Without Borders’ annual Press Freedom Index, ranking 108th out of 180 countries. The country’s score dropped from 52.46 in 2025 to 49.23. The controversial Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act passed last year to establish a new commission “whose lack of independence from the government and arsenal of disproportionate sanctions are jeopardising media independence,” RSF said. Monday's police raid on the Adhadhu office, travel bans and charges against two of its journalists were not taken into account.
Several opposition MDP lawmakers came under fire for backing members of President Muizzu’s reshuffled cabinet, particularly Home Minister Ali Ihusan. Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim ‘Kudu’ admitted he made a “big mistake” and apologised for voting in the moment without proper consideration. Hulhumalé South MP Ahmed Shamheed also apologised, calling his support for Ihusan and several others “a clear misjudgement.” In contrast, Laamu Maavashu MP Ahmed Shakir defended his vote, arguing that allowing ministers who would “bring ruin to the government” to remain in the cabinet would strengthen the MDP’s chances in the 2028 presidential election. Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem – the only opposition MP to vote against all nominees – said he opposed Ihusan over allegations of misusing the national registry to inflate PNC membership, disclosing private citizens’ data, and obstructing press freedom. He said that the MDP MPs, all of whom endorsed his chairmanship bid earlier this week, were voting on a free whip. The vote had no connection to the party’s internal contest, he said, adding that if elected he would push for a greater role for the party’s national council in key votes.
New government spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef 'Mundhu' launched a charm offensive with a new weekly series. The hour-long “Presser with Spox” is to be held every Thursday. A new social media account called “The Feed MV” was also launched. In the first episode, Mundhu sidestepped questions about the Adhadhu office raid, the Press Freedom Index downgrade, and the number of political appointees. He was unwilling to share current figures, saying an ongoing review will reduce numbers in the future. The Maldives may have gone down on the press freedom index because several other countries went up, he hypothesised. The investigation into Adhadhu and subsequent crackdown were not done at the president’s behest, he insisted, saying police were ordered to conduct a criminal investigation by the Prosecutor General’s Office. Adhadhu reported a secret meeting between Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef and Muizzu at Muleeaage after the criminal investigation was ordered, citing multiple sources. Abbas did not deny the meeting when contacted, Adhadhu said.
The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said Special Envoy Sergio Gor and Deputy Assistant Secretary Bethany Morrison spoke by phone with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam on Wednesday. During the call, the foreign minister “clarified” remarks made by President Muizzu last month, when he said Iran should target US sites in the Middle East. According to the bureau, she reiterated that Muizzu wants a positive relationship with the United States. “We look forward to future engagements," the bureau added.
President Muizzu will visit Sri Lanka on an official trip from May 3 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the President's Office announced.
The Maldives Journalists Association and the Maldivian Red Crescent issued a joint media advisory and a guideline for reporting suicide and self-harm incidents. Irresponsible reporting, such as detailing methods, publishing notes, or sensationalising incidents, can encourage copycat behaviour and deepen the trauma of grieving families, MJA said, advising the media to focus on resilience, expert insights, and pathways for help.
Mohamed Hussain Maniku, the Capital Market Development Authority's CEO, retired following a lifelong career in public service.
Mohamed Lamaan, the deputy managing director of Maldives Airport Company Limited, resigned from his position. He is to be transferred to a new role in a senior position at another state-owned company, multiple outlets reported.
