Eesha's first hearing in Adhadhu documentary case set for Monday

The Criminal Court has scheduled the first hearing in the qazf case against former government political appointee Eesha Ashraf for Monday, in connection with a documentary published by Adhadhu containing allegations against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The Prosecutor General’s Office filed the charge against Eesha with the Criminal Court on Sunday under Section 612 of the Penal Code. Qazf relates to making a false accusation of unlawful sexual relations.

The first preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 10am on Monday. The case has been assigned to the court’s B1 section, presided over by Judge Ibrahim Zihunee.

Adhadhu released the documentary on 28 March, concealing the identity of the person interviewed and altering the person’s voice. The documentary contained allegations against President Muizzu, which the government has denied.

Police began investigating the documentary about a month after its release. Eesha was summoned for questioning during the investigation and her passport was withheld. Police alleged that she had provided information for the documentary.

Eesha previously held a political appointment at the President’s Office under the current administration. She was subsequently transferred to two other ministries before being dismissed from government employment.

During the investigation, Eesha expressed concern that police had not given her an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations against her.

The case against Eesha follows separate qazf charges filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed over their alleged involvement in producing and publishing the documentary. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Police also withheld the passports of Fiyaz and Hassan during the investigation. Both exercised their right to remain silent when questioned.

The Criminal Court has issued an interim order restricting the circulation of the documentary and prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of its contents while the case is before the court. Proceedings against Fiyaz and Hassan have also been held behind closed doors.

The order has been challenged separately at the High Court. In July, the High Court Judges’ Council overturned an earlier decision by the court registrar rejecting an appeal filed by the Maldives Journalists Association against the order.

Two Adhadhu journalists have previously been imprisoned for breaches of the court order, according to reports.