Adhadhu journalist removed from President’s Office press conference

Mohamed Shahuzaan, a journalist from Adhadhu, was removed from a press conference at the President's Office on Monday after asking a question related to the documentary “Aisha”.

The incident followed a restraining order issued by the Criminal Court on Sunday prohibiting circulation of the documentary and banning direct or indirect discussion of its contents and parties connected to the case until a final ruling is delivered.

During the press conference, Shahuzaan questioned President Mohamed Muizzu regarding the documentary produced by Adhadhu.

In response, the President stated that the court had issued what he described as a “gag order” and said the journalist’s question violated that order.

“I request that Shahuzaan leave this hall,” the President said.

“You are leveling blatant lies and false accusations against me.”

Muizzu further stated that false allegations against him would not be tolerated and that no actions violating a court order would be permitted within the President’s Office press room.

According to reports from the press conference, Shahuzaan continued attempting to ask questions after his microphone was cut off.

The President then stated that the “rule of law” would be upheld at the President’s Office, after which security officers escorted the journalist from the hall.

On Sunday, the Prosecutor General's Office filed Qazf-related criminal defamation charges against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed in connection with the documentary.

According to the court order, the charges relate to the production and publication of a documentary containing allegations against President Muizzu while the two individuals were serving in editorial roles at Adhadhu Online.