The President of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, has called for the immediate release of Adhadhu journalists Shahzan Mohamed and Leevan Ali Naseer, asserting that journalists should never be imprisoned for fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
The Criminal Court today sentenced Shahzan to 15 days in prison in connection with a question posed to President Mohamed Muizzu. Leevan was sentenced to 10 days for reporting on a court order issued by the judiciary.
In a post on social media X, Shahid described today as a dark day for Maldivian journalism, emphasizing that reporters must not face incarceration for performing their duties.
" This is a serious blow to independent media and a chilling warning to all who seek to hold power to account," wrote the former Foreign Minister.
The cases against Shahzan and Leevan are linked to serious allegations against Muizzu featured in the Adhadhu documentary "Aisha." In an attempt to suppress coverage of these allegations, the court has issued a nationwide "gag order."
