Fayyaz Ismail, the former Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has called on all citizens to rise up and protest against the unconstitutional abuse of state powers.
The call follows a ruling by the Criminal Court today sentencing Adhadhu journalists Shahzan Mohamed and Leevan Ali Nasir to prison for contempt of court. Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison in connection with a question posed to President Mohamed Muizzu, while Leevan received a 10-day sentence for reporting on a court order.
In a post on X, Fayyaz stated that Muizzu shows a complete disregard for freedom of expression. He noted that the court order aimed at suppressing discussions about Adhadhu’s "Aisha" documentary was issued without any prior investigation or formal trial.
Fayyaz said that the sentencing of Shahzan and Leevan took place during secret hearings and lacked any legal basis or merit. He described this development as a return to a dark and fearful era in Maldivian history.
" These sham trials show that the president is no longer satisfied with harassing and intimidating journalists, and that he is willing to abuse the full weight of the state to persecute personal and political opponents. We have entered another truly fearful period in our country’s history," he wrote.
Furthermore, Fayyaz remarked that the progress made in securing the fundamental rights of Maldivians has been set back by more than half a century, pledging that every effort will be made to prevent further regression.
"I ask all citizens of the country to defy these unconstitutional decisions and protest in any way you can," he added.
The cases against Shahzan and Leevan are linked to the serious allegations against Muizzu presented in Adhadhu’s "Aisha" documentary. In an attempt to suppress these allegations, the court has issued a nationwide "gag order."
