MJA calls for withdrawal of charges against Adhadhu journalists
The Prosecutor General's Office filed criminal defamation charges against the two journalists at the Criminal Court on Sunday.
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The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) on Monday called for the withdrawal of criminal charges filed against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed over a documentary produced by Adhadhu.
The Prosecutor General's Office filed criminal defamation charges against the two journalists at the Criminal Court on Sunday.
At the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the court also issued an injunction restricting circulation of the documentary “Aisha” and public discussion related to the case.
According to the court order:
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the documentary may not be circulated until a final ruling is issued;
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individuals are prohibited from discussing the documentary directly or indirectly;
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statements relating to parties connected to the case or alleged victims may not be disclosed; and
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documents and information connected to the proceedings may not be published as the case is being heard behind closed doors.
In statements issued in both Dhivehi and English, the MJA criticised both the criminal charges and the court order.
The association stated that criminal investigations and prosecutions against journalists over published content are unacceptable.
“The MJA condemns the filing of such charges against journalists by the Office of the Prosecutor General and calls upon the Prosecutor General to immediately withdraw these charges,” the association said.
The MJA further stated that the investigation and prosecution represented misuse of state authority aimed at intimidating journalists and media organisations.
According to the association, the investigation — initiated on the direction of the Prosecutor General’s Office — could establish a precedent for criminal investigations against journalists over their reporting.
The statement also argued that the court order restricting public discussion of the case violated constitutional rights relating to access to information and freedom of expression.
The association noted that previous court orders of this nature had generally focused on preventing discussion of legal arguments or presentation of unproven allegations as established facts, rather than prohibiting discussion of an entire case by the public.
The MJA also stated that broad restrictions on public discussion are generally associated with jurisdictions using jury systems and are not consistent with the Maldivian legal framework.
The association criticised the decision to conduct proceedings in secrecy, arguing that it raised concerns regarding press freedom and public transparency.
In its statement, the MJA urged President Mohamed Muizzu and state institutions to uphold constitutional protections relating to freedom of expression and media freedom.
The association also referred to statements issued by international press freedom organisations regarding the case.
In connection with the investigation, Eesha Ashraf, a former employee of the President's Office, was also questioned by police.
Although police linked her to allegations under investigation, no charges have been filed against her.
Authorities have withheld the passports of Fiyaz, Hassan and Eesha as part of the case.
