High Court accepts appeals filed by Adhadhu journalists
The gag order was issued in connection with defamation charges filed against President Mohamed Muizzu.
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The High Court of Maldives has admitted the appeal cases filed by Leevan Ali Nasir and Mohamed Shahuzaan, two journalists from Adhadhu who were sentenced to prison for allegedly violating a gag order issued by the Criminal Court of Maldives.
The gag order was issued in connection with defamation charges filed against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The order was issued following a request by the Prosecutor General’s Office after charges were filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.
The case relates to a documentary published by Adhadhu containing allegations against the President.
Under the court order, the circulation of the documentary and any direct or indirect discussion relating to its contents were prohibited.
According to the Criminal Court’s findings:
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Shahuzaan was found in violation after questioning President Muizzu about the allegations during a press conference
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Leevan was found in violation over his reporting on the issuance of the gag order
Both journalists were summoned to court on May 12.
After being given two hours to appoint legal counsel, the court sentenced them to imprisonment on the same day.
The penalties imposed were:
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Leevan Ali Nasir: 10 days in prison and a fine of MVR 26,800
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Mohamed Shahuzaan: 15 days in prison and a fine of MVR 25,800
According to records from the High Court registry, separate appeal applications filed by both journalists have now been officially accepted.
Leevan was released on Friday after completing his sentence.
Shahuzaan remains in custody and is expected to complete his sentence on Wednesday.
The original gag order issued by the Criminal Court has also been appealed separately at the High Court, which has accepted the case for review.
In addition to the cases against Fiyaz and Hassan, former President’s Office employee Isha Ashraf was questioned by the Maldives Police Service in relation to the matter.
Although police have accused her of defamation, no formal charges have been filed against her.
The passports of Fiyaz, Hassan and Isha remain confiscated.
