Former justice minister Mohamed Muiz Adnan has said press freedom must be exercised within legal and ethical boundaries.

In a post shared on social media, he said protecting honour and dignity is one of the most important responsibilities in an Islamic society and warned that journalism should not be treated as a licence to insult people, make baseless accusations, or spread rumours.

He added that press freedom must be exercised responsibly, noting that journalism should serve truth and justice rather than personal or political attacks.

His remarks follow a response by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to a journalist during a press briefing on Monday, where the President rejected allegations made against him in a documentary and said legal action would be pursued.

The former justice minister said that if false allegations and rumours are spread, regardless of whether the individual is a politician, Government official, journalist or citizen, firm action should be taken through the legal and judicial system.

He added that accountability must apply equally to everyone to protect justice and maintain public trust.