Special Investigator must be appointed to probe "Aisha" documentary without influence: Former Chief Justice
Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has called for the appointment of an independent investigator to oversee the police inquiry into a documentary released by the "Adhadhu" news outlet, alleging that the Home Minister is exerting undue influence over the case. Dr. Didi asserted that the Minister’s rhetoric compromises the independence of the police investigation, while opposition figures have also expressed grave concern, characterizing the government’s actions as a direct threat to press freedom.
Former Chief Justice of the Maldives, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi (DD). | X
Former Chief Justice of the Maldives, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi, has called for the appointment of a special independent investigator to oversee the police probe into the "Aisha" documentary released by Adhadhu news.
The call comes amid allegations that Home Minister Ali Ihusaan is exerting undue influence over the ongoing investigation. In a post on X on Wednesday night, Dr. Didi stated that if state institutions lack the capacity to conduct an investigation with integrity, the appointment of an independent investigator becomes a necessity. He further noted that, given the current circumstances, he does not believe the police are in a position to carry out a truly independent inquiry into the matter.
Dr. Didi noted that social media posts by Home Minister Ali Ihusaan clearly demonstrate an attempt to influence the investigation. He emphasized that while the police service responsible for criminal investigations falls under the Home Minister's mandate, the Minister lacks any legal authority to exert direct or indirect influence over ongoing police inquiries.
Regarding this matter, Minister Ihusaan stated that while freedom of the press is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, it is not a "license" to tarnish reputations by spreading misinformation. The Minister's remarks have drawn widespread criticism. Many have alleged that by labeling the reports as "misinformation" before the investigation is concluded, the Minister is unduly influencing the inquiry.
Opposition political figures are expressing concern over the government's actions against the news outlet "Adhadhu" following the release of its documentary, "Aisha." They contend that these measures pose a significant threat to media freedom and the right to freedom of expression in the Maldives. Furthermore, international organizations have highlighted that protecting press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy. They maintain that actions undermining these rights are in direct violation of international standards.
Dr. Didi further stated that the most crucial step at this stage is to appoint a special investigator to lead the inquiry into the "Aisha" documentary, ensuring the process remains independent and free from government influence.
