Defying Criminal Court order regarding "Aisha Documentary" is an act of protest in defense of press freedom: Nasheed
Nasheed has spoken out against a court order banning discussion of Adhadhu’s "Aisha" documentary and the subsequent prosecution of the news outlet’s senior editors. Declaring his readiness to defy the injunction in defense of press freedom, Nasheed called for the immediate withdrawal of criminal defamation charges against the journalists. As the trial proceeds behind closed doors, public concern continues to mount over what many view as a significant blow to the freedom of the press.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed speaks at an MDP rally. | MDP
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that defying the Criminal Court's nationwide injunction—which prohibits any discussion regarding the "Aisha" documentary published on Adhadhu’s social media platforms—is an act of protest in defense of press freedom.
In a post on X, former President Nasheed stated that he is prepared to defy the Criminal Court's order, as he believes the widespread public defiance of the ruling serves as a legitimate protest in defense of press freedom.
President Nasheed highlighted that a court order was issued to silence the story and press charges against two senior journalists from Adhadhu, following the publication of serious allegations against President Muizzu by a former President's Office employee.
Nasheed has also called for the charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed to be dropped in connection with the "Aisha" documentary case.
Fiyaz and Hassan have been charged with criminal defamation. The charges stem from their roles as editors at Adhadhu, where they published a documentary containing allegations against Muizzu.
As part of the investigation into this matter, Isha Ashraf, a former employee of the President's Office, has also been summoned by the police to provide a statement. Although she faces allegations of qazaf (slanderous accusation of adultery), no formal charges have been brought against her yet. The Criminal Court has now decided to conduct the trial for this case behind closed doors.
