Adhadhu files court case seeking return of seized equipment
During the operation, officers confiscated several items used for journalistic work, including laptop computers and other electronic devices.
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Adhadhu News has filed a case at the Criminal Court seeking the return of electronic equipment seized by police during a raid on its offices in April.
Police entered the newsroom on 27 April as part of an investigation linked to a documentary published by the outlet containing allegations involving President Mohamed Muizzu.
During the operation, officers confiscated several items used for journalistic work, including laptop computers and other electronic devices.
According to Adhadhu, the equipment has not been returned despite 52 days having passed since the raid. The media organisation has therefore requested a court order for the recovery of the seized property.
The Criminal Court has scheduled the first hearing in the case for next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Summons have been issued to Oblique Media Group, the company that operates the news outlet.
The police investigation led to criminal defamation (qazf) charges being filed against Adhadhu Chief Executive Officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.
At the request of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Criminal Court subsequently issued an order prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of the allegations.
Two journalists from the outlet were later sentenced to prison for violating the court order.
Journalist Mohamed Shahuzan received a 15-day sentence after the court found that he had breached the order by asking President Muizzu about the allegations during a press conference.
Journalist Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to 10 days in prison over a news article reporting on the court order.
Both the gag order and the prison sentences have been appealed to the High Court. The appeals have been accepted, although hearing dates have not yet been announced.
The investigation also involved former President's Office employee Eesha Ashraf, who was summoned by police to provide a statement.
While police have accused Eesha of criminal defamation in connection with the case, no charges have been filed against her.
The passports of Fiyaz, Hassan and Eesha remain withheld as the case proceeds.
