Demands are mounting for the immediate release of Adhadhu journalists Leevan Ali Nasir and Mohamed Shahzan, who were sentenced to prison yesterday without being granted the opportunity to present a defense.
Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison over a news article published under his byline in Adhadhu. Shahzan received a 15-day sentence following a question he posed to President Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference held at the President's Office.
Both journalists were sentenced without due process, having been denied a fair opportunity to defend themselves. The court provided them with only a two-hour window to appoint legal counsel.
Local and international observers are describing their sentencing as a "black day" for press freedom in the Maldives since the right was enshrined in the country's Constitution.
