Adhadhu journalists sentenced to prison over breach of court order
Journalist Mohamed Shahuzaan was sentenced to 15 days in prison and fined MVR 25,000, while Leevan Ali Naseer received a 10-day prison sentence.
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The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced two journalists from Adhadhu to prison for violating a court order linked to a defamation case involving President Mohamed Muizzu.
Journalist Mohamed Shahuzaan was sentenced to 15 days in prison and fined MVR 25,000, while Leevan Ali Nasir received a 10-day prison sentence.
The court order was issued following a request by the Prosecutor General’s Office after criminal defamation charges were filed against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed.
The order prohibited public discussion and reporting relating to the case and the documentary titled “Aisha”.
Leevan was summoned to court at 11:00am over a report relating to the issuance of the court order itself.
Shahuzaan appeared before the court at 1:00pm over questions directed at President Muizzu during a press conference held at the President's Office.
According to the court, the questions contravened restrictions imposed under the order.
Shahuzaan appeared without legal representation and requested 10 days to appoint a lawyer. The court granted him two hours.
When proceedings resumed, he informed the court that he had been unable to secure legal counsel within the allotted time.
The court declined to provide additional time and ruled that Shahuzaan had committed contempt of court.
Under the Criminal Court order:
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the documentary “Aisha” may not be distributed until the court reaches a final ruling;
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discussion of content contained in the documentary is prohibited directly or indirectly;
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disclosure of information relating to parties connected to the case or the alleged victim is prohibited; and
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documents and information relating to the proceedings may not be disseminated publicly as the case is being conducted in camera.
In connection with the same investigation, Eesha Ashraf was also questioned by the Maldives Police Service.
Although police linked her to allegations under investigation, no formal charges have been filed against her.
Authorities have withheld the passports of Fiyaz, Hassan and Eesha as part of the case.
