Government’s aim in imposing restrictions and imprisoning journalists is to keep public in the dark: Former Chief Justice

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has stated that the government’s attempts to restrict information through gag orders and the imprisonment of journalists are aimed at keeping the public in the dark.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "TV Talk" program, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah stated that he believes the underlying motive behind these developments is to prevent the corruption embedded within state institutions and organs from being exposed to the public.

However, Didi emphasized that the government must recognize the current global reality: journalism and journalists are an integral part of modern society. He further noted that when journalists speak out on an issue, they do so in good faith.

There is no criminal intent (mens rea) involved here. This would not meet the threshold for any criminal or civil liability. These actions are taken solely to provide the public with the truth and to ensure transparency. This is their responsibility—a constitutional mandate and a duty they must fulfill. In line with global trends, the burden of proof regarding allegations against those in authority is shifting. This is because journalists cannot be expected to provide evidence from inaccessible sources. Therefore, international best practice suggests that the burden of proof should not be applied to them in the traditional sense.

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi

Didi stated that, in accordance with international best practices, relevant state institutions must provide the documents requested by the court. He emphasized that such cooperation is mandatory upon the court's request, noting that journalism is not a matter to be taken lightly.

Didi further stated that journalism and the freedom of the press are fundamental pillars of the Maldivian constitutional framework. However, he alleged that the current administration is attempting to restrict the role and responsibilities of journalists and commit atrocities by imprisoning them. He noted that the ultimate objective of these actions is to keep the public in the dark.

Didi has previously called for the appointment of a special independent investigator to oversee the case, alleging that Home Minister Ali Ihusaan is exerting undue influence over the police investigation into the documentary released by Adhadhu.