Appeal filed by journalists' association dismissed on grounds that gag order does not apply to the organization
The High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) seeking to overturn a gag order issued regarding a documentary produced by Adhadhu news. The High Court Registrar ruled that since the MJA was not a direct party to the original case, the association lacks the legal standing to appeal under the Criminal Procedure Act.
Journalists from Adhadhu news summoned to court. | Maldives Journalists Association (MJA)
The High Court has dismissed the appeal against a gag order issued by the lower court regarding a documentary released by Adhadhu news.
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) appealed the order at the High Court. However, the High Court dismissed the case on Sunday.
In a decision signed and issued by High Court Registrar Maryam Hoorsheedha, the court stated that the appeal filed by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) could not be accepted as the association is not a party to the case involving the gag order. The ruling noted that the charges in this matter were brought specifically against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Adhadhu Online, and Editor Hassan Mohamed. It further clarified that under Section 198(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, the right to appeal is reserved exclusively for the parties involved in the legal proceedings.
The High Court’s dismissal of this case comes at a time when Adhadhu has requested the court to register and expedite hearings for two separate appeals. These involve a ruling that found the outlet's journalists in contempt of court, as well as an appeal against a gag order issued regarding a documentary released by the news organization.
