Transparency Maldives has raised serious concerns regarding the Criminal Court trial against Adhadhu's Shahzan Mohamed and Leevan Ali Nasir.
In a post on X calling for their immediate release, the organization expressed grave concern over the denial of adequate opportunity for the defendants to seek legal counsel.
"Not being given adequate opportunity to access legal counsel raises serious concerns regarding due process and constitutional protections," Transparency Maldives said.
" Such actions erode press freedom and weaken democratic accountability in the Maldives, striking at the core of democratic governance."
The Criminal Court sentenced Shahzan to 15 days in prison today over a question posed to President Mohamed Muizzu. Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison for reporting on a court order in the news.
The cases against both Shahzan and Leevan are linked to the "Aisha" documentary released by Adhadhu, which levels serious allegations against Muizzu. In an attempt to suppress these allegations, the court has issued a nationwide "gag order."
