Charges filed against Adhadhu CEO and editor over documentary

The Prosecutor General's Office has filed criminal charges against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed in connection with a documentary produced by Adhadhu containing allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.

The charges were submitted to the Criminal Court on Sunday under provisions relating to Qazf, or criminal defamation.

According to the court order, the charges relate to the production and publication of the documentary “Aisha” while the two individuals were serving in editorial positions at Adhadhu Online.

The Criminal Court also issued an injunction prohibiting circulation of the documentary until the conclusion of the case.

The court further ordered that information related to the documentary must not be shared directly or indirectly and prohibited discussion regarding the parties involved or the alleged victim connected to the case.

As the proceedings are being conducted behind closed doors, the court additionally ordered that documents and details relating to the trial must not be disclosed publicly.

Following the release of the documentary on 28 March, the Maldives Police Service conducted a court-authorised search of Adhadhu’s office and seized several items.

Authorities also withheld the passports of Fiyaz and Hassan during the investigation.

When questioned by police, both men exercised their right to remain silent.

In relation to the same case, Eesha Ashraf, a former political appointee at the President's Office, was also summoned by police and had her passport withheld.