Shahuzan summoned to court after President rules he violated gag order; Leevan also summoned over published report
Two journalists from the news outlet "Adhadhu" have been summoned to the Criminal Court for allegedly violating a "gag order." Reporter Mohamed Shahuzan, who questioned officials during a press conference, and Leevan Ali Naseer, who authored a related news report, are being investigated for potential contempt of court. The summons pertains to a court order prohibiting any public discussion or reporting regarding the outlet's documentary titled "Aisha."
Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahuzaan (L) and Leevan Ali Nasir (R). | Raajjemv graphics
The Criminal Court has summoned Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu accused him of violating a court order. The President made the determination during a press conference in response to a question Shahuzan posed based on information obtained by the news outlet.
The summons issued by the Criminal Court to Shahuzaan states that his questions and remarks during a press conference held at the President's Office on Sunday appear to violate a standing court order. This order explicitly prohibited any actions intended to influence an ongoing trial. The court noted that the Prosecutor General’s Office had formally brought the matter to its attention via a letter on Sunday. Consequently, Shahuzaan has been ordered to appear in court as the respondent to determine whether he is in contempt of court under Section 7(c) of the Regulations on Maintaining the Decorum of the Court.
Shahuzan has been ordered to appear before the Criminal Court at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12.
In addition, Leevan Ali Nasir, a journalist from Adhadhu, has also been summoned to court. According to the court order, Leevan is being summoned to determine whether his report regarding the "gag order" violated the restrictions previously issued by the court. He is scheduled to appear in court at 11:00 a.m. this Tuesday.
The Criminal Court has issued an injunction regarding the documentary "Aisha" produced by Adhadhu news, ordering a halt to its circulation until a final verdict is reached. The court order prohibits the further distribution of the documentary and mandates that no details from the film be discussed, whether directly or indirectly. Furthermore, the court has barred any public discourse concerning the parties involved in the case or the victim featured in the documentary.
The Criminal Court's order stated that as these types of cases may be conducted in camera to uphold public morality—as stipulated under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution—it is prohibited to disseminate any documents or information related to the proceedings. The court further warned that any such disclosure would be considered an act of contempt of court.
