Prison sentence handed down to journalists is a chilling warning: Shahid
Shahid has called for the immediate release of two journalists, asserting that penalizing them for reporting on allegations against President Muizzu serves as a direct warning to those seeking to hold the state accountable. He further noted that these convictions expose the government's lack of sincerity in upholding its commitment to press freedom.
The President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, | Raajje MV
The President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, has stated that the Criminal Court's sentencing of "Adhadhu" journalists Shahzan Mohamed and Leevan Ali Naseer is a chilling warning to all those working to hold state powers accountable.
In a post on X regarding the matter, Shahid stated that today marks a dark day for Maldivian journalism, asserting that journalists should never be imprisoned for performing their professional duties. He described the incident as a severe assault on media freedom and a warning aimed at those working to hold state authorities accountable.
Shahid further stated that this incident demonstrates a complete lack of sincerity in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges to guarantee press freedom. Shahid also called for the immediate release of Shahzan and Leevan.
The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced Shahzan to 15 days in prison in connection with a question posed to President Muizzu. Meanwhile, Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison for publishing a news report regarding a court order.
The cases against both journalists are linked to serious allegations made against President Muizzu in the documentary "Aisha," produced by the news outlet *Adhadhu*. In response to these allegations, the court has issued a gag order prohibiting all Maldivian citizens from discussing the matter. The government and the judiciary are facing widespread criticism following the issuance of this injunction and the subsequent sentencing of the journalists.
