The Criminal Court has granted Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan only two hours to appoint legal counsel after he was summoned for questioning regarding a press conference at the President's Office.
Shahzan was forcibly removed from that briefing after asking President Mohamed Muizzu about allegations of sexual harassment involving a female employee at the President's Office.
Shahzan was ordered to appear in court for allegedly violating a court order related to the documentary "Aisha," produced by Adhadhu.
The court had previously issued a "gag order" prohibiting all citizens from circulating the documentary or discussing its contents, whether directly or indirectly.
Shahzan appeared in court at 1:00 pm today, where he requested additional time to secure legal representation.
However, the presiding bench of the Criminal Court decided to grant him only a two-hour window to appoint a lawyer.
Earlier today, at 11:00 am, Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir was also summoned to court in connection with a news article. Leevan was similarly given only two hours to appoint a legal representative.
The court is currently processing cases involving four individuals, including Adhadhu’s management and journalists. As part of this investigation, the news outlet’s office has been raided and electronic devices seized, while travel bans have also been imposed.
