Adhadhu, a prominent Maldivian news outlet, has issued a public apology after publishing an inaccurate report about President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s travel arrangements. 

The article, which incorrectly stated that the president had flown to the United States in first class, was removed following public scrutiny. The President had, in fact, travelled in business class.

In statements posted on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, Adhadhu acknowledged the error and apologised to its readers. The publication assured the public that the erroneous report had been taken down.

The incident has sparked discussions on the broader issue of media accuracy and the potential erosion of public trust due to misinformation. While there is no evidence of malicious intent behind the report, critics have emphasised the importance of rigorous fact-checking in journalism.

Observers have also highlighted the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to address such errors and prevent their recurrence. Adhadhu’s swift retraction and apology have been recognised by some as a responsible step, though calls for higher professional standards and stricter oversight persist.

This incident demonstrates ongoing challenges in balancing press freedom with the responsibility to combat misinformation. The Maldives continues to grapple with the dual priorities of safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring ethical journalism.