Eesha's passport impounded again in documentary probe

The passport of former President’s Office employee Eesha Ashraf has been impounded again under a court order as police continue an investigation linked to the Aisha documentary published by Adhadhu.

Eesha’s passport was initially impounded for three months in April, with the order expiring on 26 July. Police said on Thursday night that the restriction was lifted when the previous order expired but that her passport had since been impounded again under a new court order.

Police began a criminal investigation following the publication of the documentary in late March, which contained allegations concerning President Mohamed Muizzu.

The passports of Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed were also previously impounded for three months in connection with the investigation.

Police have also searched the Adhadhu office as part of the case and seized property and electronic devices.

According to the court order, the investigation concerns allegations of qazf, or falsely accusing a person of zina, against President Muizzu. The investigation involves Eesha, Fiyaz and Hassan.

Police have cited Sections 30 and 612 of the Penal Code in connection with the investigation.

Section 30 covers criminal liability in circumstances including complicity in an offence, while Section 612(a) concerns qazf. The provision applies to accusing a person of committing zina, or repeating such an allegation, while knowing the accusation to be false.

An offence under Section 612(a) is classified as a Class 4 felony. The standard punishment upon conviction includes one year and seven months in prison and 80 lashes.

The Aisha documentary featured an unidentified woman who said she had previously worked at the President’s Office and made allegations concerning President Muizzu. Eesha has been identified in some reports as the woman featured in the documentary.

President Muizzu denied the allegations when questioned by Adhadhu at a press conference about four weeks after the documentary was released.

The President described the allegations as “categorically false” and called for action against those responsible for making them.

“I call upon all relevant authorities to prosecute all parties who spoke these lies,” Muizzu said.

Police subsequently opened a criminal investigation and sought court orders in connection with the case.

The Criminal Court has also issued an order restricting discussion and reporting concerning the documentary.