Eesha Ashraf charged with Qazf in Adhadhu documentary case
Adhadhu released the documentary on 28 March, concealing the identity of the person making the allegations and altering the person’s voice.
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The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a qazf charge against Eesha Ashraf in connection with an Adhadhu documentary containing allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The PG Office confirmed on Sunday that the charge was filed with the Criminal Court under Section 612 of the Penal Code. Qazf relates to making a false accusation of unlawful sexual relations.
Adhadhu released the documentary on 28 March, concealing the identity of the person making the allegations and altering the person’s voice.
Police began investigating the documentary about a month after it was released and summoned Eesha for questioning in connection with the case. Her passport was also withheld during the investigation.
The PG Office did not disclose further details of the charge filed against her.
Eesha previously served as a political appointee at the President’s Office under the current administration. She was later transferred to two other ministries before being dismissed from the government.
During the investigation, police alleged that Eesha had provided information for the documentary. Eesha previously raised concerns that she had not been given an opportunity by police to respond publicly to the allegations made against her.
The charge against Eesha follows qazf charges filed in May against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed over their alleged involvement in producing and publishing the documentary.
Police also withheld the passports of Fiyaz and Hassan during the investigation. Both men exercised their right to remain silent when questioned, according to reports at the time.
The Criminal Court subsequently issued an order restricting the circulation of the documentary and direct or indirect discussion of its contents while the case is before the court. Proceedings against Fiyaz and Hassan are being conducted behind closed doors.
The restriction has also been challenged at the High Court. In July, the High Court Judges’ Council overturned an earlier decision by the court registrar to reject an appeal filed by the Maldives Journalists Association against the order.
