Hussein Fiyaz Moosa is the CEO of Adhadhu. This is an English translation of his original Dhivehi comment piece.
Yesterday marked a dark day in the long history of Maldivian journalism. Simply for posing a question to the Head of State, a journalist was immediately charged and sentenced to prison. Another journalist was sentenced and jailed for writing a news article. This represents a severe obstruction to press freedom and a blatant act of intimidation.
The court rulings raise significant concerns. The sentencing of Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Naseer has captured public attention. It appears that even before the Criminal Court delivered its verdict yesterday, President Mohamed Muizzu had already determined Shahzan’s fate within the President’s Office press room.
Given the sequence of events, it is easy to believe that the Criminal Court merely formalized a predetermined punishment yesterday. Shahzan is now serving 15 days in Maafushi Prison for asking Muizzu a question, while Leevan is serving 10 days for reporting the news.
Both journalists were sentenced without being afforded an adequate opportunity to defend themselves, rendering the proceedings a clear miscarriage of justice.
The controversy began last Monday when Shahzan questioned Muizzu regarding call logs allegedly showing the President making late-night calls to a staff member. Following the question, security forces forcibly removed him from the President’s Office on the grounds that he had violated a "gag order." This marks the first time a journalist has been expelled from the President’s Office in such a disgraceful manner.
The lack of justice in this matter is profound. What stands out most is the blatant disparity in how justice is administered. While the Constitution mandates equality for all, this case highlights a culture of discrimination.
There is no shortage of political leaders, activists, and social media influencers who have explicitly violated the court-issued gag order across various platforms. Yet, no action has been taken against any of them.
To date, the only individuals investigated, charged, and rushed through sentencing are the journalists from Adhadhu. These actions suggest a politically motivated campaign to dismantle or intimidate a specific group.
If Shahzan’s question indeed violated a court order, then the heads of other TV stations and media outlets, editors, and control room staff who broadcasted that question are equally liable. Yet, neither the President nor the Prosecutor General seems to notice this.
The Criminal Court must be aware that the footage was broadcast live. They can see the posts and videos circulating on social media. While judges have the power to initiate contempt of court proceedings on their own motion, the public can clearly see the selective nature of these actions.
It is my understanding that this stems from a personal vendetta against Adhadhu, triggered by the "Skeelan" documentary—which received an award—for uncovering hidden facts.
Given the history of such actions, it is clear that the imprisonment of Shahzan and Leevan, and the ongoing investigations into myself and Hassan, are not about upholding the law. Rather, they are driven by a malicious intent to obstruct journalism and shut down this newspaper’s work.
Even if we are detained or imprisoned, the resolve of Adhadhu will not waver. The two journalists currently in prison demonstrated that courage until the very last moment.
Before being taken to prison yesterday, Shahzan and Leevan left one final message: "We cannot be intimidated, and we are not afraid. We will return much stronger."
Leevan is an experienced and diligent journalist who has faced imprisonment before in the line of duty. He is a dedicated professional, exemplary in video production and social media management. This is not his first time behind bars for his work; he was first detained alongside me ten years ago. Since then, his work ethic, diligence, and bravery have remained unchanged.
Shahzan, recognized early on during a journalism training program, is a gifted orator. He is a skilled investigative journalist who is never afraid to ask the tough questions. In a short time, he has become a prominent face of Adhadhu.
Political leaders often fear such journalists. They are intimidated by news outlets that strive to hold the government accountable. However, in this day and age, even if an authoritarian leader attempts to suppress press freedom, they will not succeed.
Journalism, a profession protected by constitutional privilege, has now been criminalized. Shahzan and Leevan are currently held in Unit 12 of Maafushi Prison. But their resolve cannot be locked away. This is a labor for the rights of the people.
