Three former presidents send letter to diplomatic missions requesting pressure on government to release detained journalists and protesters
Three former presidents of the Maldives have issued a joint letter to foreign diplomatic missions, urging them to pressure the government to release two jailed journalists from the "Adhadhu" news outlet and others detained during recent protests. Expressing grave concern over the country's democratic backsliding, the former leaders highlighted increasing restrictions on press freedom and the erosion of the separation of powers through undue executive influence. Furthermore, the letter warns of an impending economic collapse and potential state bankruptcy, calling for international intervention to halt illegal detentions and safeguard the nation's democratic integrity.
Former Presidents Abdulla Yameen (R), Mohamed Nasheed (C), and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (L). | MDP
Three former presidents have sent a formal letter to foreign diplomatic missions in the Maldives, urging them to pressure the government to release two imprisoned journalists from Adhadhu news, as well as all individuals detained during protests calling for their freedom.
The letter was sent on behalf of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, former President Mohamed Nasheed, and former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The letter highlights that the court has issued a "gag order" prohibiting any debate regarding a documentary released on May 10, 2026, which allegedly exposes misconduct by the President. The three former presidents noted that this marks the first time in the Maldives' democratic history that such a broad restriction on the dissemination of information has been imposed. They further expressed grave concern over the imprisonment of two journalists from the "Adhadhu" news outlet, Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir, on May 12 for allegedly violating this order.
Shahzan and Leevan were sentenced to 15 and 10 days in prison, respectively, following a closed-door trial. The letter states that although they were granted only two hours to appoint legal counsel, they were denied any opportunity to present a defense during the proceedings. The letter further highlights that this marks the first time journalists have been imprisoned since the ratification of the new Constitution in 2008. It also notes that several individuals who protested against the sentencing have been taken into custody.
The three former presidents stated that this is not merely an isolated incident, but rather evidence of a democratic backslide in the Maldives. They highlighted the erosion of parliamentary powers, the exertion of influence over independent institutions, and the passage of the "Media Act," which grants a government-controlled commission the authority to shut down news outlets. The letter further noted that despite the government’s defeat in the council elections and 69 percent of the public voting against the administration in the constitutional amendment referendum, the government continues to target and undermine oversight institutions.
Regarding the country's economic situation, the letter stated that as national reserves deplete and the debt burden intensifies, there is a significant risk of the Maldives becoming a bankrupt state. It further noted that the threats to democracy posed by an extravagant and incompetent administration are not isolated issues.
Concluding the letter, the three presidents stated that despite their differing political ideologies, they stand united today in defense of the democracy built by the people. They earnestly appealed to international partners to exercise their influence and pressure the government to immediately release all journalists and protesters currently under illegal detention, and to drop all charges against them.
