Passport of Adhadhu CEO withheld over "Aisha" documentary
The Criminal Court has imposed a three-month travel ban on Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu news, in connection with a criminal investigation into the documentary "Aisha," which allegedly defames President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and spreads misinformation. The court order to withhold Fiyaz's passport follows the President's call for legal action against those involved in the documentary, which he maintains contains fabricated and baseless allegations. Authorities justified the travel restriction by citing the necessity of ensuring Fiyaz remains in the country to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, amid concerns that he might otherwise depart the Maldives.
Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu News. | Adhadhu
The passport of Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of the news outlet 'Adhadhu', has been withheld and a travel ban imposed on him in connection with a documentary alleging unethical conduct by President Muizzu.
The Criminal Court issued an order on Monday night to withhold Fiyaz's passport for a period of three months.
According to the court order, Fiyaz is suspected of involvement in the production of the "Aisha" documentary, which allegedly contains numerous defamatory accusations against President Muizzu. The order further noted that a travel ban was necessary as there is reason to believe he may attempt to flee the country.
The court order stated that Fiyaz's passport was withheld because police believe his presence in the Maldives is essential for an ongoing criminal investigation.
Following President Muizzu’s remarks at a press conference on Monday morning, where he dismissed the allegations in the "Aisha" documentary as false and called on relevant authorities to take legal action against those involved, the police have seized Fiyaz’s passport. Furthermore, under a court order, authorities conducted a raid on the Adhadhu news office, confiscating a significant amount of equipment and materials from the premises.
The documentary titled "Aisha" was released across the social media platforms of the news outlet Adhadhu. In the documentary, a woman named Aisha levels several allegations involving President Muizzu.
