Some social media users also posted that their earlier posts with videos and photographs of one of the MDMA case accused with the Chief Minister were removed. However, when a person who claims to be the Chief Minister’s social media coordinator was caught in the operation, the government has intervened to hide the news from the public. “The Chief Minister and the UDF are trying to suppress the freedom of expression of the media and the Opposition just like how it was done during the Emergency. The government is encroaching on press freedom through the back door by blocking their social media posts, without directly banning the media. Mohamed Riyas and several other CPI(M) leaders condemned the blocking of news reports and social media posts.