Journalist Shahzan released after serving 15-day prison sentence

Mohamed Shahzan, a journalist from the local news outlet Adhadhu, has been released from prison after completing a 15-day sentence. The journalist was jailed following an incident involving questions directed at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The Criminal Court has summoned journalist Mohamed Shahzan for questioning regarding inquiries he posed to President Muizzu during a press conference held at the President's Office on the 11th of this month. The court stated that the summons follows a letter from the Prosecutor General’s Office on Sunday, which highlighted that Shahzan's remarks and questions during the briefing appeared to violate a standing court order prohibiting specific commentary on an ongoing trial. Consequently, he has been ordered to appear before the court under Article 7(c) of the Regulation on Maintaining the Decorum of Courts to determine whether his actions constitute contempt of court.

The court sentenced Shahzan to 15 days in prison and imposed a fine of MVR 25,000 on the 12th of this month.

Shahzan served his prison sentence at Maafushi Prison. Following the completion of his term, he was released from Hulhumale' Prison.

In addition to Shahzan, journalist Leevan Ali Nasir from the same news outlet has also been released after completing his sentence. The Criminal Court had sentenced Leevan to a 10-day prison term.

The imprisonment of these two journalists has drawn widespread condemnation from local and international organizations, political parties, former presidents, and senior political figures. Alongside members of the general public, they have expressed deep concern and are calling for the immediate release of the two journalists. Many have characterized this move as a severe assault on press freedom and freedom of expression by the current administration. Critics further argue that these actions are a deliberate attempt to intimidate and instill fear within the public.