Adhadhu Fiyaz stays silent to 'protect source' in police questioning

The Chief Executive Officer of Adhadhu newspaper, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, was produced before the police Wednesday to give a statement in an investigation into a documentary alleging President Mohamed Muizzu. His lawyers said he exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during questioning.

Police on Monday entered the newspaper office under a court order in connection with the documentary titled ‘Aisha’, which was broadcast on the 28th of last month. Fiyaz and the newspaper’s editor, Hassan Mohamed, were summoned to provide statements. Hassan was produced Wednesday morning, while Fiyaz appeared in the afternoon.

After about 30 minutes at the Criminal Investigation Building, Fiyaz’s lawyer and former Member of Parliament Ali Hussain spoke to reporters. He said the investigation was political and the allegations had no basis. He said the action was intended to stop journalists from reporting on government conduct.

Ali Hussain said his client chose to remain silent to protect the source of the information. He stated that police questions focused on the source, leading to the decision to exercise that right.

He said that under Maldives law and in other countries, disclosure of a source is required only in limited cases, such as threats to life, property or national security, and only under a court order. He added that no such order had been issued in this case.

Fiyaz stated that the matter affects not only his newspaper but also journalists and others who report on corruption. He said the information received is reliable and that he would continue to protect the source, even if it leads to imprisonment.

Fiyaz and Hassan each face five charges under the Penal Code:

Police seized electronic equipment from the office, including laptops, under the court order. The passports of Fiyaz and Hassan were also taken.

The Maldives Journalists Association and foreign organisations have expressed concern over the incident.

The documentary ‘Aisha’ featured a woman claiming to have worked in the President’s Office. She made statements about President Muizzu. Four weeks after its release, the newspaper asked the President about the claims at a press conference. He said the claims were false and called for legal action against those involved.

Police then began a criminal investigation and obtained a court order.