Media Council orders outlets to cease coverage of "Aisha" documentary
The Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission have instructed media outlets to comply with a Criminal Court order prohibiting any coverage related to the "Aisha" documentary. The court order specifies that circulating the video or discussing the victim's account until a final ruling is reached constitutes contempt of court. Additionally, the Elections Commission has directed political parties to refrain from making any public statements regarding the matter.
The Media Council, established by the government to regulate newspapers, magazines, and broadcasters, has instructed media outlets to refrain from reporting on the documentary titled "Aisha." | Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has instructed media outlets to refrain from reporting on the documentary "Aisha," in compliance with a Criminal Court order.
In a directive issued to the media on Sunday night, the Commission, in its capacity as the media regulator, instructed outlets to ensure that all published content strictly adheres to the requirements specified in the court order.
In a nationwide injunction issued on Sunday regarding the documentary "Aisha," the Criminal Court ordered a total ban on the circulation of the video documentary related to the case until a final verdict is reached. The court further prohibited any discussion of the content featured in the documentary, whether directly or indirectly, and strictly forbade making any statements regarding the parties involved or the victim in connection with the documentary currently before the court.
The court order further stated that such cases may be conducted in closed proceedings to uphold public morality, as stipulated under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution. Accordingly, the court has prohibited the dissemination of any documents or information related to the trial, warning that any such violation will be treated as contempt of court.
The Prosecutor General's Office has filed criminal charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the case. The PG has charged both individuals with criminal defamation.
Furthermore, in compliance with the Criminal Court's order, the Elections Commission has instructed the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the People's National Front (PNF) to refrain from discussing the "Aisha" documentary.
