Trial begins against Adhadhu CEO and editor over documentary

The trial of Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Chief Executive Officer of Adhadhu, and the outlet’s editor, Hassan Mohamed, commenced on Wednesday in the Criminal Court over charges of qazf relating to a documentary that included allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.

The Prosecutor General's Office filed the charges last Sunday following a police investigation conducted under the direction of the Prosecutor General.

According to the case, Fiyaz and Hassan are accused in relation to their roles as editors of Adhadhu Online in the production and publication of the documentary.

During the investigation, both individuals exercised their right to remain silent.

The preliminary hearing to begin proceedings was held at 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Criminal Court.

During the hearing, documents related to the case were exchanged between the parties. Both defendants were granted two weeks to review the documents.

The proceedings are being conducted behind closed doors.

The court has also issued an order prohibiting the publication or discussion of information relating to the case, whether directly or indirectly.

Following the release of the documentary on March 28, police searched the Adhadhu office under a court warrant and seized several items.

The passports of both Fiyaz and Hassan were also withheld.

Earlier this week, two Adhadhu journalists were sentenced to prison over alleged violations of the court order, including reporting on the case and questioning the President during a press conference.