Travel ban imposed on Esha Ashraf in documentary probe
The passports of Adhadhu chief executive Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and managing editor Hassan Mohamed have also been withheld for three months.
The passport of Esha Ashraf has been withheld in connection with the police investigation into the Aisha documentary produced by Adhadhu.
The documentary, released late last month, contained allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu. Police opened a criminal investigation following the publication and began enforcement action on Monday night.
Police visited Esha Ashraf’s apartment in Hulhumalé on Tuesday to serve a Criminal Court of the Maldives order withholding her passport.
According to the court order, the travel restriction is in effect for three months, from Monday until 26 July.
The order states that police suspect Esha Ashraf was involved in the preparation of the documentary. It also cites intelligence information alleging that she was preparing to leave the Maldives.
Esha Ashraf previously held a political role at the President’s Office before later serving in two ministries. She was subsequently dismissed.
As part of the same investigation, police searched Adhadhu’s office on Monday night and seized property from the premises.
The passports of Adhadhu chief executive Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and managing editor Hassan Mohamed have also been withheld for three months.
The court order states that police are investigating the individuals for alleged Qazf and accusations made against the President. The cited provisions include Sections 30 and 612(a) of the Penal Code.
Section 612(a) concerns knowingly making or repeating false accusations of adultery or fornication.
During a press conference on Monday, President Muizzu described the allegations in the documentary as “absolute lies”.
“I request all relevant authorities to prosecute all parties who spread these falsehoods,” he said.
