MJA submits Adhadhu journalists’ case to UN bodies
The MJA further alleged that the actions taken against Adhadhu amounted to retaliation against independent media.
The Maldives Journalists Association said on Saturday that it had submitted an urgent appeal to multiple United Nations Special Procedures mandates regarding the detention and prosecution of journalists from Adhadhu.
The case relates to charges filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office against senior Adhadhu staff following allegations of defamation involving President Mohamed Muizzu in a documentary produced by the outlet.
Following a request by prosecutors, the Criminal Court also issued an order prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of the subject matter connected to the documentary.
Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan, who also serves as Vice President of the Maldives Journalists Association, was sentenced to 15 days in prison after a question he asked President Muizzu during a press conference was ruled to have violated the order.
Another Adhadhu journalist, Leevan Ali Nasir, received a 10-day prison sentence for reporting on the issuance of the court order.
According to the MJA, the case has been submitted to several UN mandate holders, including:
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The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
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The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
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The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
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The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
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The Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy
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The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
The association said the submission included allegations relating to arbitrary detention, closed-door court proceedings, broad restrictions on speech, seizure of newsroom equipment, travel bans and limitations on access to legal representation.
The MJA further alleged that the actions taken against Adhadhu amounted to retaliation against independent media.
According to the submission, the detention of the two journalists is directly linked to their work as journalists and continues to affect media operations and public access to information.
The MJA also argued that the legal proceedings pose risks to independent journalism, public-interest reporting and the protection of sources.
The association requested UN mandate holders to call on the government to release the detained journalists and end legal action targeting journalists carrying out their professional duties.
The submission also requested the review or annulment of contempt of court rulings, reconsideration of the Criminal Court order restricting discussion of the case, the return of seized newsroom equipment and guarantees of access to legal counsel and open court proceedings.
