Lawyer says police denied Eesha opportunity to respond to allegations
Shameem said Eesha’s statement had been recorded and that investigators asked three main questions.
Hussain Shameem, legal counsel for Eesha Ashraf, said on Wednesday that police did not provide his client with an opportunity to respond to allegations during questioning related to a documentary released by Adhadhu.
The documentary, released in late March, contained allegations involving President Mohamed Muizzu. Police launched an investigation a month later.
As part of the investigation, police searched the Adhadhu office and seized computer equipment. Authorities also withheld the passports of Adhadhu Chief Executive Officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Editor Hassan Mohamed and Eesha Ashraf over alleged involvement in production of the documentary.
While Fiyaz and Hassan previously exercised their right to remain silent during questioning, Eesha attended police interviews on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon.
Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s session, Shameem said Eesha’s statement had been recorded and that investigators asked three main questions. He said police accused Eesha of “Qazf”, referring to false accusation or slander, but did not identify the alleged victim despite repeated requests from the legal team.
“When we requested an opportunity to speak in her defence, it was denied. They gave absolutely no chance to present a defence,” Shameem said.
According to him, investigators stated in the official record that no opportunity for defence was provided.
Shameem said police informed the legal team that the recording of Eesha’s statement in relation to the case had now concluded. He repeated his earlier claim that Eesha should be treated as a victim in the matter rather than a suspect.
“If this case goes to court, we will demonstrate who the real victim is and who the perpetrators are,” he said.
He also alleged inconsistencies in the accusations presented during the investigation. Shameem said the initial court order withholding Eesha’s passport referred to Sections 612 and 630 of the Penal Code, while later questioning referred only to Section 612.
According to Shameem, the basis of the allegations also changed between questioning sessions.
“Last night, the allegation was about comments made in a recording by a news outlet. Today, they claimed she is speaking about these matters in public and to various individuals,” he said.
Shameem stated that the defence had identified multiple allegations involving different claims and circumstances, making it difficult to prepare a response during the investigation stage.
He said he did not believe the government was directly influencing the investigation but expressed concern over the conduct of investigators.
Eesha previously worked at the President's Office before later serving at two ministries. She was subsequently dismissed from government service.
The passports of Eesha, Fiyaz and Hassan have been withheld for three months until 26 July.
