The Criminal Court has ordered Adhadhu newsroom to provide passwords for electronic devices seized from its office during a police investigation into the "Aisha" documentary, which was released on March 28.
The court order mandates the provision of passwords for four devices among the items seized by the police. All four devices are Apple MacBooks.
The Criminal Court's order specified that data extraction from these devices must be conducted in the presence of a representative appointed by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Furthermore, the order noted that since the items were seized during a search of a journalistic establishment, they are subject to legal privilege.
The court directed that necessary measures be taken to maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained and to ensure its protection. It also stipulated that any evidence gathered under this order must be used exclusively for the case mentioned in the warrant.
Police raided the Adhadhu office on the night of April 27, exactly one month after the release of the "Aisha" documentary, following inquiries made regarding the allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The case has raised questions about source protection and press freedom. Adhadhu has previously stated that it would not disclose sources.
The court order requires the presence of a media commission representative during data extraction to safeguard privileged material.
