Journalist Leevan summoned to court over news report; granted only two hours to appoint legal counsel
Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir was summoned to the Criminal Court for allegedly violating a "gag order" and was granted only two hours to appoint legal counsel. The summons is linked to a court order prohibiting discussions regarding the "Aisha" documentary, a case for which fellow journalist Mohamed Shahuzan has also been ordered to appear. The court stated that disseminating information on this matter constitutes contempt of court, asserting that the restriction is necessary to maintain public moral standards.
Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir: He was summoned to the Criminal Court on Tuesday in connection with a news article he authored. | Dhauru
The Criminal Court has granted Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir only two hours to appoint legal counsel after he was summoned to court regarding a published news article.
The court has summoned Leevan to appear, stating that the hearing is intended to determine whether his reporting on the "gag order" issued by the court constitutes a violation of that very order.
Leevan appeared in court at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday without legal representation. During the hearing, he requested additional time to appoint a lawyer. Although Leevan requested a 10-day period to secure counsel, the presiding bench of judges decided to grant him only two hours to arrange legal representation.
The Criminal Court has issued an injunction prohibiting the circulation of the "Aisha" documentary, produced by Adhadhu news, until a final verdict is reached. The court order further restrains all parties from discussing the contents of the documentary, whether directly or indirectly, and strictly prohibits any public discourse regarding the litigants or the victim involved in the case currently before the court.
The Criminal Court's order stated that under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution, such cases may be conducted in camera to protect public morality. The court further ordered that documents and information related to the proceedings must not be disseminated, warning that any such action would be considered contempt of court.
Following the appearance of Leevan in the Criminal Court, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared that *Adhadhu* journalist Mohamed Shahuzan violated a court order by questioning him based on information obtained by the outlet. Consequently, Shahuzan has been summoned to appear before the Criminal Court.
Shahuzan has been summoned to appear on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
