Bar council intervenes in court appeal over Adhadhu gag order

The Bar Council of the Maldives has intervened in the High Court proceedings concerning the appeal against a gag order issued over a documentary produced by local news outlet Adhadhu.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Bar Council said its decision to intervene forms part of its efforts to uphold due process, freedom of expression, press freedom and the right to information.

The first appeal against the Criminal Court's gag order was filed by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). However, the High Court dismissed the appeal after ruling that the association did not have legal standing to challenge the order.

The appeal was subsequently filed by Adhadhu Chief Executive Officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa.

Before intervening in the High Court proceedings, the Bar Council had also requested the Prosecutor General to seek the revocation of the gag order.

The Criminal Court's order prohibits any direct or indirect discussion of the subject matter covered in the documentary.

Since the order was issued, two Adhadhu journalists have been sentenced to imprisonment after the court found them in breach of the order.

Criminal charges have also been filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and the outlet's Editor Hassan Mohamed in relation to the documentary.

In addition, former President's Office employee Eesha Ashraf was questioned by police as part of the investigation. Police have accused her of criminal defamation (qazf), although charges have not yet been filed.

The passports of Fiyaz, Hassan and Eesha remain withheld by the authorities.