Former President Abdulla Yameen has criticized the Criminal Court following an order to ban the "Aisha" documentary by Adhadhu, which details sexual misconduct allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu by a former President's Office employee.
Speaking at a gathering hosted by the People’s National Front (PNF), Yameen said the court order issued last night raises questions about whether a predetermined conclusion has already been reached in the matter.
Court issues gag order prohibiting discussion on "Aisha" documentary
A court has issued a gag order banning the "Aisha" documentary, which features sexual misconduct allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu. The injunction prohibits all discussion or circulation of the content to uphold moral standards. Authorities have seized equipment from the Adhadhu news office and confiscated editors' passports.
"Has the Criminal Court already reached a verdict on this relationship or these sexual allegations? Otherwise, why would the term Qazf even be invoked?" Yameen questioned.
"Judges' actions must have substance. When rulings are issued without merit, it simply turns the judiciary into an object of public ridicule."
Yameen further criticized the police investigation, noting that the former President's Office employee at the center of the allegations was denied the opportunity to provide a statement in her defense.
"The police conducted the investigation as they pleased. They essentially told her, 'These are the questions we are asking, and Aisha has nothing to say. She must not speak,'" he said.
The Qazf (an Islamic criminal charge on false accusation of adultery or fornication) charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussein Fiyaz and Editor Hassan Mohamed were filed just 14 days after the investigation commenced. The probe was initiated following a direct order from Muizzu during a live press conference, after Adhadhu questioned him regarding the allegations.
On the same night, police raided the Adhadhu office and seized 20 electronic devices, including laptops and hard drives.
The following day, Fiyaz and Hassan were slapped with travel bans and summoned to police headquarters for questioning. The former President's Office employee involved in the case was also summoned and placed under a travel ban.
The prosecution of the journalists comes despite calls from seven international organizations to drop the criminal charges and conduct an independent investigation into the allegations against Muizzu.
