Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has filed a defamation lawsuit at the Civil Court against Dhauru news Editor Moosa Latheef and its parent company, Next Media Group.
Azaan, who worked as a journalist before his election to Parliament, filed the case over a report published by Dhauru on April 28 titled "Police raid on Adhadhu and Azaan’s experience." Azaan is seeking a court ruling declaring that the article damaged his reputation and is requesting compensation for the damages incurred.
In his filing, Azaan requested the court to declare the article defamatory and to order the news outlet to either delete or amend the content. He is also seeking MVR 5,000 in damages for harm to his reputation, MVR 28,670 in legal fees, and reimbursement for the case registration fees.
Azaan has further requested an injunction to restrict public access to the article until the court reaches a final verdict on the matter.
Moosa Latheef is one of the Maldives' most seasoned journalists. He began his career in 1989 with the now-defunct Haveeru newspaper. He became the editor of Haveeru and later served as the editor of Mihaaru before resigning to establish Dhauru.
The lawsuit by Azaan, a member of the ruling party, comes amid escalating legal pressure on the press. Criminal charges have been filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed over a documentary published by the outlet. The Criminal Court has also sentenced Adhadhu journalists Shahzan Mohamed and Leevan Ali Nasie to prison for allegedly violating a court order prohibiting discussion of that ongoing case.
