Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has expressed concern over the imprisonment of Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, calling for their immediate release.
In a message sent to the People's National Front (PNF) media group, Yameen stated that journalists perform a vital national service. He emphasized that obstructing their work is entirely unacceptable and argued that instead of arresting journalists and hindering their duties, actions must remain within the bounds of the law.
"Journalists are doing national work. Let us learn to file defamation suits to protect reputations [instead of resorting to imprisonment]," Yameen said.
Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison in connection with a news report published under his byline in Adhadhu. Shahzan received a 15-day sentence following a question he directed at President Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference held at the President's Office.
Both journalists were sentenced without being granted an adequate opportunity to defend themselves. They were given only two hours to appoint legal counsel.
Local and international observers are describing this as a dark day for press freedom since the right was enshrined in the Maldivian Constitution.
