MNDF Reverses: Information Withheld on Security Grounds 'Does Not Exist'

The Ministry of Defence has reversed its position on information regarding President Mohamed Muizzu's trips to Ara, after initially withholding the details on security grounds. The Ministry now states that the information requested by Raajje TV under the Right to Information Act is not created, maintained, or held by the institution. Raajje TV had requested details on the number of trips made by the President and his family to Ara in the North Malé Atoll for vacation this year, as well as the state budget expenses incurred. The request also sought information on whether any other individuals accompanied the President's two wives and children on these trips. The MNDF Information Officer initially refused to provide the information, citing the Military Act and the Right to Information Act, arguing that disclosure could compromise the President's security by revealing his 'movement.' The Ministry's Review Committee upheld this decision. However, after Raajje TV escalated the matter to the Office of the Information Commissioner (ICOM), a hearing was held on 27 October. During the hearing, Raajje TV noted that President Muizzu had publicly disclosed details of his visits to Ara during a press conference on 3 May 2024, stating he had visited the island 116 times since assuming office, including 85 trips for football and 31 with his family, and that the total fuel cost was 844,635 rufiyaa. Following ICOM's decision, the Ministry of Defence has now stated that the requested information is not information created, maintained, or held by the ministry, effectively classifying the previously withheld information as non-existent.