Maldives Journalist Association appeals "gag order"
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has assembled a legal team to challenge the recent court order and is urging all affected parties to intervene in the case. Condemning actions by the government and judiciary that obstruct press freedom, the association further demanded the immediate release of all detained journalists.
A photograph taken outside the High Court. | High Court
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has appealed a Criminal Court order at the High Court that effectively gagged the public by prohibiting any discussion regarding a documentary released by Adhadhu news.
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) announced on Thursday that it has filed an appeal against a Criminal Court order, contending that the ruling severely restricts the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution.
Legal counsel Hassan Falah has been appointed as the lead counsel to represent the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) in this High Court case. The MJA stated that once the case is officially registered, several other lawyers from their legal team will join to represent the association.
Furthermore, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has urged all affected parties who wish to intervene in the case to do so.
In a press statement released Wednesday, the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) strongly condemned the ongoing efforts by the executive and judicial branches to silence the voice of a free press. The association called upon all relevant authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of journalists Leevan and Shahuzan.
The MJA further stated that the extent of the entanglement between a government that has exerted dominance over other branches of power and a highly politicized judiciary has raised serious questions. It also highlighted significant concerns that due process and the right to a fair and impartial trial cannot be guaranteed within such a politicized judicial system.
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has called on all relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, independent, fair, and impartial investigation into these allegations to ensure a credible outcome.
