Lawyer says Esha is victim, will cooperate in documentary probe
Speaking to the media after the session, Shameem said his client would cooperate and provide information to investigators.
Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem said on Tuesday that his client, Esha Ashraf, is a victim in an ongoing police investigation linked to a documentary released by Adhadhu.
The documentary, released in late March, included allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu. The investigation was initiated about a month after its release.
As part of the investigation, police searched the Adhadhu office and seized computer equipment. Authorities have also withheld the passports of Adhadhu Chief Executive Officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Editor Hassan Mohamed, and Esha Ashraf, who previously held posts in the current administration.
Fiyaz and Hassan declined to respond during earlier police summons. Esha was questioned on Tuesday evening. Speaking to the media after the session, Shameem said his client would cooperate and provide information to investigators.
“Esha is a victim in this matter. We will provide a comprehensive explanation at a later stage regarding how she became a victim. Currently, we are in the process of briefing the police on the entire sequence of events from beginning to end,” he said.
Another member of the legal team, Mohamed Fareed, said they had sought clarification from police on the basis of the allegations. He said police indicated that they hold evidence but did not specify its nature.
“However, they did not specify the nature of this evidence—whether it is documentary, video, or confidential testimony,” Fareed said.
During the briefing, Shameem said the matter reflects conduct that should not occur in professional settings and called for adherence to established boundaries.
The legal team said the questioning session was paused at Esha’s request and will resume on Wednesday.
Esha, who previously served at the President’s Office and later at two ministries, was dismissed from government service. A court order to withhold the passports of Esha, Fiyaz and Hassan remains in effect for three months and is due to expire on 26 July.
