Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa said today that he exercised his right to remain silent during police questioning regarding the "Aisha" documentary in the public interest, asserting that he would not reveal his sources even if imprisoned for life.
Speaking to reporters outside the Adam Haleem Building in Henveiru after his summons, Fiyaz declared that neither he nor any of Adhadhu’s journalists would disclose their sources, regardless of the threat of imprisonment.
"I exercised my right to remain silent for the sake of the Maldivian people, to demonstrate that the information shared with us will be kept secure and confidential," Fiyaz said.
"We give our assurance that we will protect our sources, even if it means spending a lifetime in jail."
Fiyaz encouraged whistleblowers to continue providing information to Adhadhu without hesitation, reiterating his guarantee that no source would ever be compromised.
Fiyaz was summoned today as part of a police investigation ordered by the government into allegations that the documentary produced by Adhadhu defamed President Mohamed Muizzu.
The criminal allegations against Fiyaz 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)
In addition to Fiyaz, Adhadhu’s Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed was also summoned to the police station today facing the same criminal allegations. Hassan also chose to exercise his right to remain silent during the interrogation.
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.
