Police have levelled five criminal charges against Adhadhu Editor Hassan Mohamed in the criminal investigation ordered by the government over the "Aisha" documentary.
Hassan was summoned to the police headquarters for questioning earlier this morning. His legal counsel, Sayyah Khaleel, stated that Hassan exercised his constitutional right to remain silent during the interrogation.
"The right to protect sources is a constitutional guarantee. Given this, Hassan has denied the allegations and opted to exercise his right to silence," Sayyah said.
The criminal allegations against Hassan include:
- Vicarious liability and complicity (Section 30 of the Penal Code)
- Vicarious liability and complicity (Section 30(a)(2) of the Penal Code)
- Defamation (Qazf) (Section 612 of the Penal Code)
- Solicitation to commit an offense (Section 81 of the Penal Code)
- Conspiracy to commit an offense (Section 82 of the Penal Code)
Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa has also been summoned to appear before the police at 2:30 pm today regarding the same investigation.
Sources indicate that a police summons has also been issued to a former President’s Office employee, whose passport has already been seized in connection with this case.
On Tuesday night, police executed a court-ordered search of the Adhadhu newsroom, seizing a significant amount of electronic equipment.
Furthermore, the Criminal Court has issued orders to withhold the passports of both Fiyaz and Hassan, based on an intelligence report.
The criminal investigation into the "Aisha" documentary was initiated a month after its release, coinciding with President Mohamed Muizzu being questioned about the film's allegations. In his response, the President denied the accusations and stated that legal action would be pursued in the matter.
