The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) today condemned the criminal charges brought against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed regarding the "Aisha" documentary, as well as the removal of the outlet’s journalist, Mohamed Shahuzan, from a press conference at the President’s Office.
Fiyaz and Hassan are being charged with Qazf (an Islamic criminal charge over false accusation of adultery or fornication) in connection with the documentary. The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office filed the cases in court yesterday.
The Criminal Court has also issued a gag order prohibiting any further discussion regarding the documentary.
In a statement addressing the measures taken against Adhadhu, CPJ called on the PG Office to immediately withdraw the charges against Fiyaz and Hassan.
Regarding the removal of Shahuzan from the President’s Office press conference, CPJ stated that he was expelled for asking a difficult question. The organization emphasized that journalists must be allowed to report and ask questions freely without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
CPJ had previously expressed concern over the seizure of Adhadhu’s electronic equipment for the investigation and the withholding of Fiyaz and Hassan’s passports. The organization had called for the return of the equipment and the release of their travel documents.
