‘Adhadhu’ files lawsuit contesting order to remove political cartoon

Local news outlet Adhadhu has filed a case with the Civil Court challenging orders by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) to remove a political cartoon it published in January.

The image in question, depicting a man with a Pinocchio nose stealing money from the pocket of another man prostrating in prayer, was published by Adhadhu under its political cartoon segment on January 22. The MMBC said the image violates a basic tenet of Islam, and ordered Adhadhu to remove the image, and to pull its political cartoon segment.

In a statement on Sunday, Adhadhu said it has filed a case with the Civil Court seeking to overturn the order, which the news outlet said the commission did not have any authority to issue or has any basis.

Adhadhu said that the Media Act passed last year does not authorize the commission to issue such penalties in the middle of an investigation or to halt a specific segment of a news outlet.

The news outlet said the order violates standard protocol and infringes on freedom of expression and freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution.

Adhadhu added it also plans to file a case with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against the MMBC members for abuse of power.

Adhadhu has said that its political cartoon segment aims to create awareness about major societal issues and political matters, and that the January 22 image shows the prevalence of theft in Maldivian society.

However, the MMBC has instructed media outlets against circulating the image.