Journalists' association requests permission to observe defamation trial against Fiyaz and Hassan
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has requested to observe the trial of two senior journalists from Adhadhu news after the Criminal Court decided to conduct the proceedings behind closed doors. The defamation charges stem from a documentary produced about President Muizzu, with the court citing the preservation of moral standards as the justification for holding the hearings in secret.
Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu, and the outlet's Editor, Hassan Mohamed, were summoned to police headquarters on Wednesday to face criminal allegations regarding the documentary" They are pictured alongside their legal counsel, Ali Hussain. | Raajje MV
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has requested permission to attend and observe the court proceedings in the criminal defamation case filed against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Adhadhu, and Editor Hassan Mohamed. The charges stem from the publication of the documentary "Aisha."
The Criminal Court has decided to conduct the trial behind closed doors, noting that while criminal proceedings are generally open to the public, Article 42(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives provides specific exceptions to this rule. In a gag order imposing several restrictions, the court stated that hearings involving sexual offenses and similar cases of moral turpitude are typically conducted in camera. The court emphasized that this measure is necessary to uphold the moral standards of society.
Consequently, the journalists' association has sent formal letters to the Criminal Court and the Prosecutor General’s Office, requesting a reversal of the decision and seeking permission to attend and observe the hearings.
Fiyaz and Hassan have been charged with defamation under Section 612 of the Penal Code. The case was filed with the Criminal Court on May 10.
Section 612 of the Penal Code defines the offense of Qazaf (false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse). This section stipulates that it is an offense to falsely accuse an individual of committing or engaging in the act of adultery, as defined under Section 411 of the same Code. This offense is classified as a fourth-degree felony. In addition to the penalties authorized under Chapter 90 of this Act, the law mandates a punishment of 80 lashes for those found guilty of this offense.
The Prosecutor General's Office stated that the charges were filed because the defendants, in their capacity as editors of Adhadhu Online, produced and released a documentary titled "Aisha" on March 28. The documentary allegedly contained various accusations directed at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
