Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan, who was removed from a press conference at the President's Office after questioning President Mohamed Muizzu regarding allegations of sexual harassment against a female employee, has been sentenced to prison without being given the opportunity to present a defence.
Shahzan was summoned to court on allegations of violating a court order issued in connection with the "Aisha" documentary 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 today at 1:00 pm, where he requested additional time to appoint legal counsel. However, the Criminal Court bench presiding over the case granted him only two hours to secure a lawyer.
Despite his inability to obtain legal representation within that timeframe, the court proceeded with a summary judgment, sentencing Shahuzan to prison for 15 days.
Leevan Ali Nasir, the Adhadhu journalist who reported on the initial court order, has also been sentenced to prison.
