RaajjeTV calls for immediate release of journalists imprisoned through government influence over judiciary
RaajjeTV has strongly condemned the Criminal Court's sentencing of two Adhadhu journalists to prison, describing it in a statement as a cowardly act of government interference in the judiciary aimed at stifling press freedom and freedom of expression. The station called for an immediate end to the intimidation of journalists and demanded the urgent release of the two detained reporters.
Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahuzan (R) and Leevan Ali Naseer (L). | Raajjemv graphics
RaajjeTV has strongly condemned the Criminal Court’s decision to sentence two journalists from Adhadhu news to prison on charges of contempt of court. The sentencing follows a question posed to the President by journalist Mohamed Shahuzan during a press conference at the President’s Office, as well as a report written by journalist Leevan Ali Naseer regarding a gag order issued by the Criminal Court.
In a statement released Tuesday night, RaajjeTV, the Maldives' largest private media outlet, expressed its view that there is currently no space for independent journalism in the country. The station further noted that it believes the environment no longer allows for the exercise of freedom of expression, a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of the Maldives.
Furthermore, RaajjeTV stated in its statement that President Muizzu's administration is repeatedly intimidating journalists and obstructing independent media. The station characterized these actions as a cowardly, orchestrated attempt to stifle press freedom and freedom of expression in the Maldives by exerting undue influence over the judiciary.
The statement further noted that, in RaajjeTV’s view, a climate of fear and insecurity now prevails in the Maldives for all news outlets and journalists, except those that support and praise the government. The statement also highlighted that many Maldivian journalists currently live under the constant threat of being summoned to court, sentenced, and imprisoned at a moment's notice for the articles they write or the opinions they express.
RaajjeTV has issued a strong condemnation of these actions, repeatedly calling on the Maldivian government to immediately cease such cowardly acts and to secure the urgent release of the two Adhadhu journalists currently in custody.
The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced *Adhadhu* journalist Leevan Ali Nasir to 10 days in prison over a published news report. Additionally, the court sentenced journalist Mohamed Shahuzan from the same outlet to 15 days in prison and imposed a fine of MVR 25,000 in connection to a case involving questions posed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
