Leevan vows to continue journalism after release from prison
The case stems from a documentary produced by Adhadhu involving allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
Leevan Ali Nasir on Friday said his imprisonment demonstrated what he described as efforts to suppress journalists and restrict press freedom in the Maldives.
Leevan made the remarks after being released upon completion of a 10-day prison sentence imposed for contempt of court.
The case stems from a documentary produced by Adhadhu involving allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
Following defamation charges filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed, the Criminal Court issued a gag order prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of the case.
Leevan and fellow journalist Mohamed Shahuzan were later sentenced to prison for violating the order.
Leevan was convicted for reporting on the issuance of the gag order, while Shahuzan was sentenced after questioning the President about the matter during a press conference.
Speaking after his release, Leevan said the imprisonment of journalists for reporting news or asking questions reflected a return to practices that restrict media freedom.
“There is no longer any assurance that a journalist will not face imprisonment for their writing,” Leevan said.
He added that concerns about restrictions on media freedom had previously been raised during debates over the government’s proposed media regulation bill.
“We maintained even then that the government's aim is to silence us. We will not let that happen. Being jailed for ten days has only strengthened my resolve; I will return to this work with even greater determination,” he said.
Leevan also raised concerns regarding prison conditions during his detention.
According to him, he and Shahuzan were initially held in Unit 13 of Maafushi Prison before he was later transferred to Unit 10.
He stated that the unit was commonly used for detainees connected to murder cases.
Leevan said:
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He initially slept on a mat placed on the floor
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A bed was provided later following a change in prison security management
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Showering took place inside the toilet area, causing water to spill into the cell
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Food provided during detention was difficult to consume
He further stated that other inmates in the unit continued sleeping on the floor even after he received a bed.
“Those cells are simply not fit for sleeping,” Leevan said.
