Muizzu disgraced in "L Sofa" scandal: President Yameen

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that it was President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who was disgraced by the "L Sofa" controversy.

Speaking at a People's National Front (PNF) gathering, former President Yameen stated that President Muizzu is only bringing disgrace upon himself by attempting to seize total control of the judiciary and issuing gag orders.

Noting that all state affairs must be conducted in consultation with the Cabinet, former President Yameen stated that fulfilling every personal request of President Muizzu, as he suggests, would constitute a violation of the law. Furthermore, President Yameen called for state institutions empowered under the Constitution to be granted the autonomy to carry out their mandates independently.

Even before his inauguration, during a speech at Dharubaaruge following his election, President Muizzu stated that only those who follow his direct orders would be able to work alongside him. However, this contradicts the Constitution. The Constitution explicitly mandates that all major state affairs must be conducted with the advice and counsel of the Cabinet. From that point forward, President Muizzu has been acting in violation of the law. In reality, wasn't it President Muizzu who faced public humiliation following a journalist's inquiry? When questioned by the media regarding the "sofa issue," he responded by issuing a gag order, which ultimately resulted in his own disgrace before the citizens.

President Yameen

Former President Yameen stated that the Maldives Police Service is well aware that the individual involved in the attempt to set fire to the Green Building maintains a close relationship with President Muizzu. Furthermore, Yameen alleged that the disappearance of cases submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was a direct result of President Muizzu's negligence.

In connection with this case, the Criminal Court issued a nationwide gag order in May this year, prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion regarding the matter. The court further ordered that the video documentary related to the incident must not be circulated within the community until the conclusion of the trial. Additionally, the order prohibits any direct or indirect discussion of the narratives presented in the documentary, as well as any commentary regarding the parties involved or the victim in relation to the documentary submitted as evidence.

Two journalists from Adhadhu, Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Nasir, have been sentenced to four months and 24 days in prison for violating a Criminal Court order. The sentencing followed a rushed trial in which the journalists were reportedly denied adequate time to seek legal counsel.