The Criminal Court has ordered Adhadhu to surrender passwords for four electronic devices seized by police during an investigation connected to the outlet’s Aisha documentary.
The order, issued yesterday, covers four Apple MacBooks among the items taken from the newsroom. It requires that any data extraction take place in the presence of a representative appointed by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The court noted that the materials are subject to legal privilege because they were seized from a journalistic establishment, and directed that confidentiality measures be applied. Any evidence obtained must be used solely for the case named in the warrant.
Police raided the Adhadhu office on the night of 27 April, one month after the documentary was released on 28 March. The documentary had prompted inquiries into allegations involving President Mohamed Muizzu.
Adhadhu has previously declined to provide passwords in related proceedings, citing the need to protect confidential sources. The latest order renews the legal requirement for access under court supervision.
The case remains part of an ongoing investigation. No charges against Adhadhu staff have been detailed in the court order.
