Adhadhu cannot be silenced; we will hold government accountable and I return from prison with pen in hand: Fiyaz

Adhadhu cannot be silenced, and its team will not back down from holding the government accountable, stated the news outlet's CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, adding that journalists who have been imprisoned emerge from detention with their pens still in hand.

The Criminal Court has sentenced two journalists from the Adhadhu news outlet to prison. Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to 10 days in jail, while Mohamed Shahuzan, who was questioned regarding an incident involving President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, was sentenced to 15 days in prison and fined 25,000 Rufiyaa.

Regarding the matter, Fiyaz stated that two journalists from the news outlet *Adhadhu* have been imprisoned under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s authoritarian administration. He noted that journalist Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison for writing a news article, marking the first time a journalist has been jailed for their reporting since the ratification of the current Constitution. Furthermore, he highlighted that Shahuzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison simply for posing a question to President Muizzu. Fiyaz added that both journalists were also fined. He further alleged that they were brought before the court without being granted access to legal counsel or the opportunity to present a defense.

Is this what justice looks like? President Muizzu continues to claim that he is the most just leader this country has ever seen. The question posed by Shahuzaan to the President is the same one we are all asking: Who did he call after performing the late-night Tahajjud prayer? Why was that call made? There is no reason why this question should be off-limits. Who was contacted at 2:00 a.m. following prayer? It is entirely possible the call was related to official government business. Therefore, on behalf of the Adhadhu team and our entire media family, we condemn this intimidation in the strongest possible terms. We will not back down in the face of President Muizzu’s attempts to stifle our outlet and kill independent journalism. Tomorrow, Hassan and I have been summoned here. I believe that I will be imprisoned, and Hassan will be imprisoned as well. Even then, President Muizzu will not be satisfied.

Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu News

Referring to previous instances where President Muizzu had contacted him and threatened to impose the harshest possible penalties, Fiyaz stated that these actions are now unfolding. However, he emphasized that the Maldivian people do not stand with President Muizzu, but are instead standing in solidarity with the Adhadhu team and the journalistic community.

Fiyaz stated that President Muizzu must act with greater reason and restraint, noting that the President appears to be governed by excessive anger. He further asserted that President Muizzu lacks any sense of justice, but emphasized that his team wishes to reassure the Maldivian public that their efforts will not be hindered. He added that Leevan and Shahuzan will be released from prison in 10 and 15 days respectively, emerging stronger than before.

He further stated that he would not hesitate to take any necessary action to hold the Maldivian government accountable. Fiyaz emphasized that President Muizzu is well aware of this stance and asserted that he remains undeterred by fear. He added that the day he is released from prison will be the day he resumes his work, even if it means picking up his pen once again.