Police used force and arrested several individuals during a protest in Male' last night, held to demand the release of detained journalists and to defend press freedom.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed joined the demonstration, marking his first appearance at a street protest in nearly a decade. Nasheed took to the streets to call for the release of Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan, who had questioned President Mohamed Muizzu, and Leevan Ali Naseer, the journalist who reported on a gag order issued to prevent the discussion on the "Aisha" documentary.
The Criminal Court sentenced Leevan to 10 days and Shahzan to 15 days in prison on May 12 for alleged contempt of court. Both journalists are currently being held at Maafushi Prison.
The protest began at the junction of Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu. In addition to Nasheed, the demonstration was attended by fellow journalists, family members of the detained reporters, and members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the People’s National Front (PNF).
As protesters marched along Majeedhee Magu, they shouted the same questions that Shahzan had posed to Muizzu during an official press conference last Monday.
Addressing the crowd at the Artificial Beach area, Nasheed emphasized that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are among the most fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution.
Nasheed further stated that Shahzan’s question sought clarification on why the President had allegedly made numerous phone calls to a woman late at night.
Supporters of the PNF also joined the protest. Police intervened when demonstrators attempted to carry an "L-shaped sofa" from near former President Abdulla Yameen’s residence toward the official presidential residence, Mulee'aage. One person was arrested on Alikilegefaanu Magu as police moved in to seize the sofa.
After being cordoned off on Alikilegefaanu Magu, protesters managed to break through police lines and return to Majeedhee Magu, where they staged a sit-in at the main junction.
As midnight approached, police deployed in riot gear with shields and used force to disperse the crowd. During the confrontation, several individuals were taken into custody, including prominent social media activist Shammoon Jaleel (Lucas).
Journalists also alleged that police obstructed them while reporting on the protest. Some journalists were reportedly injured.
Channel 13 journalist Mariyam Ismail posted on X that Specialist Operations (SO) officers attacked her even as she displayed her press credentials.
"I was simply standing on the sidewalk when I was struck by a shield," she said.
The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) said that police intentionally obstructed journalists, photographers, and videographers last night. The MJA stressed that journalists must be allowed to fulfill their duties without interference.
The protest concluded late into the night, with organizers announcing that demonstrations would continue tonight.
