Eesha is ready to cooperate and provide a full account for investigation into 'Aisha' documentary: Shameem

Aishath Eesha Ashraf intends to provide full cooperation to the police investigation regarding the "Aisha Documentary" published by the online news outlet Adhadhu, according to her legal counsel and former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem.

Speaking to reporters after Eesha was summoned to the Hulhumale' Police Station on Tuesday night for questioning and to provide a statement, Shameem stated that she intends to provide the police with a full account of the incident.

Shameem stated that Eesha is prepared to cooperate fully with the police regarding the allegations against her, including sharing all necessary information such as phone logs and messages. The lawyer further emphasized that he considers Eesha to be a victim in this incident. He added that the process of recording all formal statements will proceed as scheduled in the coming days.

Our client wishes to provide a full account of how these events transpired. They are prepared to give a comprehensive statement to the police investigation regarding every allegation, including all relevant details such as phone calls, messages, and other supporting information. Therefore, we intend to proceed with the formal recording of all statements as soon as time permits. We have also sought clarification regarding the involvement of the other party implicated in this matter. A case only constitutes *qadhf* (false accusation of adultery) if the other individual denies the claim; if there is no denial, it does not meet the legal threshold for such a charge, as *qadhf* is a specific offense under Shari’ah law. We raised this point with the police, who stated that the other party has indeed denied the allegations to the extent required for the investigation. I am certain that the police have already obtained the necessary statements and details for their inquiry. To clarify a matter to the extent required typically involves formal questioning and the recording of a statement, though we are not privy to the specific methods the police used to obtain that information.

Hussain Shameem

Commenting on the order to withhold Eesha’s passport in this case, Shameem stated that the order cited Sections 612 and 30 of the Penal Code. However, he noted that Section 30 was absent from the subsequent formal allegations. Shameem further remarked that this discrepancy raises questions regarding the grounds for the passport seizure. He added that efforts are underway to submit a request to the Criminal Court to review the order.

Furthermore, the lawyer revealed that some of the initial allegations made by the police have been amended. Shameem stated that the police have clarified that the accusation under Section 413, which pertains to incestuous adultery, has been dropped, and the current allegation stands under Section 411, concerning the offense of adultery.

Secondly, the police are raising allegations under Section 612, with reference to Sections 411 and 413. Section 411 pertains to the offense of fornication, while Section 413 relates to incest. We noted a slight discrepancy there, which the police have since clarified. The allegation under Section 413 has now been dropped, and the police state that the investigation is currently proceeding under Section 411. We remain fully committed to providing the police with all necessary assistance and cooperation required for the investigation. Our client is eager to provide a full account of how these events transpired. My client intends to cooperate fully with the police investigation by providing a comprehensive statement, including all details such as phone records, messages, and any other relevant information regarding every allegation raised by the authorities.

Hussain Shameem

Responding to inquiries regarding the other party involved in the case, Shameem stated that police have informed him of the individual's denial of the allegations. He explained that, as a general rule in such cases, a matter transitions into a "qazf" (false accusation) case once the other party issues a denial. He added his belief that the police would have already recorded the individual's statement and obtained the necessary details. Shameem reiterated that Eesha’s objective is to provide all information required for the investigation to ensure the truth of the matter is revealed.