Charges filed against Fiyaz and Hassan over "Aisha" documentary
The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed criminal defamation charges against two senior editors of Adhadhu news over the release of a documentary titled "Aisha" concerning President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. If convicted under the Penal Code, the defendants face a standard sentence and the possibility of 80 lashes as a prescribed punishment. As part of the investigation, police previously raided the news outlet’s office and seized a significant amount of electronic equipment.
Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu news, and the outlet’s Editor, Hassan Mohamed, pictured outside police headquarters on Wednesday after being summoned for questioning over criminal allegations related to the documentary "Aisha." They are accompanied by their legal counsel, Ali Hussain. | Raajje MV
Defamation charges have been filed against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Adhadhu online news, and Editor Hassan Mohamed, in connection with the documentary "Aisha."
The Prosecutor General’s Office has announced that the two individuals have been charged with criminal defamation under Section 612 of the Penal Code. The case was formally filed with the Criminal Court on the 10th of this month.
Section 612 of the Penal Code defines the offense of slanderous accusation. According to this provision, it is a crime to falsely accuse an individual of committing or engaging in the act of fornication or adultery, as defined under Section 411 of the same Code. This offense is classified as a felony of the fourth degree. In addition to the penalties authorized under Chapter 90 of the Penal Code, the law mandates a corporal punishment of 80 lashes for this offense.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed defamation charges at the Criminal Court against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed under Section 612 of the Penal Code of the Maldives. The charges stem from their roles as editors of Adhadhu Online, following the release of a documentary titled "Aisha" on March 28. The documentary allegedly contained defamatory accusations directed at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Police launched an investigation into the matter approximately 12 hours after President Muizzu issued the directive. The President ordered the probe into the news outlet *Adhadhu* during a press conference, following questions regarding serious allegations leveled against him. Police subsequently raided the *Adhadhu* office and seized 20 electronic devices. The confiscated items included laptops and hard drives.
Charges were filed against Fiyaz and Hassan on the 14th day since the investigation into the documentary began. In connection with this case, the Criminal Court has also issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting any discussion regarding the documentary "Aisha."
