Govt spokesperson avoids questions on enforcement of gag order
Former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have both publicly commented on matters covered by the court order during rallies.
Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef on Thursday avoided directly answering questions about the lack of action against former presidents and members of the public accused of defying a Criminal Court order restricting discussion of a documentary case linked to President Mohamed Muizzu.
Former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have both publicly commented on matters covered by the court order during rallies, protests and on social media.
Nasheed also stated publicly that he intended to disregard the order.
“The open defiance of this court order by many is an act of protest in the name of press freedom. I stand ready to violate this court order,” Nasheed wrote on social media.
Despite public discussion of the matter by political figures and members of the public, legal action has so far been taken only against two journalists from Adhadhu.
Mohamed Shahuzan, a journalist at Adhadhu and Vice President of the Maldives Journalists Association, was found to have violated the order after questioning President Muizzu during a press conference.
Another Adhadhu journalist, Leevan Ali Nasir, was found in violation for reporting on the issuance of the court order.
During a press conference on Thursday, a Dhauru journalist questioned whether the order could realistically be enforced given the number of people publicly discussing the matter.
The journalist noted that the public remained unclear about the scope of the ruling and questioned how such an order could be applied in practice.
Before the question was completed, Shareef responded that the government would ensure enforcement of judicial orders.
While acknowledging that some legal experts had criticised the scope of the ruling, Shareef said court orders could be challenged through the judiciary.
“Some opinions suggest the order is too broad, too lengthy, or unclear about what is permitted and what is not. The judiciary is the appropriate institution to clarify these matters, not the government,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding comments made by the former presidents, Shareef said individuals who were uncertain about the order should seek clarification through the courts.
“If you or political leaders are unclear about what can or cannot be said, you should seek clarification. I, for one, am clear on what I cannot say,” he said.
When asked about references made during the question regarding “letters and furniture”, Shareef dismissed the comparison, saying, “When you ask about the colour of paint at home or furniture, that’s not a question.”
Meanwhile, the Maldives Journalists Association has appealed the Criminal Court order at the High Court, seeking to overturn the ruling and suspend its enforcement pending a final decision.
