Investigation into Eesha concluded without opportunity for defense or statement: Lawyers

Lawyers for Aishath Eesha Ashraf, a former President's Office employee, have stated that police concluded their criminal investigation into the documentary "Aisha"—published by the online news outlet *Adhadhu*—without granting her the opportunity to present a defense.

Speaking to the press after Eesha reported to the Henveiru Police Station on Wednesday, her legal team expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the police.

Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, a member of Eesha’s legal team, stated that police asked only three questions during the investigation. Shameem noted that Eesha denied all three allegations related to the accusation of slander. He further highlighted that although the law requires authorities to specify the individual allegedly slandered, the police failed to provide this information despite requests from her legal counsel.

The primary focus was on those three questions. In response, we denied the allegations of slander. We requested clarification regarding the specific individual we are accused of slandering, as the law requires the victim of such an act to be clearly identified. However, the police did not provide an answer to that question. They simply asked those three questions and recorded a statement based solely on them. Furthermore, when we requested an opportunity to present a defense, it was denied. We were not given any opportunity whatsoever to speak in our defense.

Eesha's legal counsel, Hussain Shameem

Attorney Mohamed Fareed stated that the police have fabricated new allegations that were not present in the documents previously submitted during the investigation. Fareed noted that, in addition to the documentary, the police have introduced new claims suggesting that Isha had also spoken with other individuals regarding the matter. However, the legal team stated that when they requested the police to specify any content within the documentary that could be considered defamatory, the authorities were unable to provide a direct answer.

The question we raised was that the current allegations regarding a report highlighted by Adhadhu on social media do not constitute a charge of slander. We deny this. We asked how this could possibly be categorized as slander. After taking a break, they shared their interpretation. However, their view differs entirely from our understanding and the provisions of the Penal Code. At that point, they claimed the matter had been discussed with several others as well. This context does not appear anywhere in any document. It came as a surprise to us—a new narrative suddenly emerging in the middle of the investigation. Indeed, a new allegation was born. It was not something my client was prepared for. At that stage, my client wished to explain the actual sequence of events.

Eesha's legal counsel, Mohamed Fareed

Shameem alleged that Eesha was denied the opportunity to explain her side of the story due to outside influence. He noted that, contrary to standard police investigative procedures where suspects are typically allowed to present a defense, no such opportunity was provided in this case. The legal team further stated that the police had acknowledged the denial of this opportunity. According to the lawyers, the police concluded the investigation after printing a brief statement consisting of only four lines.

Eesha is accused of participating in a documentary allegedly produced to defame President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In connection with this case, she was summoned to the Hulhumale' Police Station on Tuesday night. Although the police have concluded their investigation, her legal team stated that she intends to provide a full account of the events and work towards her defense in the upcoming stages of the legal process.