Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas has criticised the judiciary, alleging that court orders are being enforced selectively to grant immunity to specific individuals.
In a post on social media X, Abbas accused President Mohamed Muizzu and Parliament Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah of violating a court order.
The lawmaker’s remarks appear to reference a Criminal Court order issued in connection with the "Aisha" documentary released by Adhadhu.
The court had ordered the trial of Adhadhu CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Editor Hassan Mohamed—who are accused of Qazf—to be held behind closed doors. It also prohibited any direct or indirect discussion regarding the documentary or any party involved in the case.
Following the issuance of this order, Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Naseer reported on the matter, while journalist Mohamed Shahzan questioned the Muizzu regarding alleged phone records between him and a female staff member. Shahzan was forcibly removed from the President’s Office, and both journalists were sentenced to jail the following Tuesday.
Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in prison, while Shahzan received a 15-day sentence.
Abbas questioned why Muizzu and Falah have not been summoned to court or sentenced despite the court's previous actions against others.
"Why weren't Muizzu and Falah summoned and sentenced when they violated the court order? Do the courts have the discretion to treat individuals differently? Is there a law that grants judges such discretionary power? The law must apply equally to all citizens, and the judiciary must conduct trials fairly without any discrimination," Abbas said.
Despite numerous individuals directly or indirectly violating the gag order, no investigations have been launched into those instances.
During a People’s National Congress (PNC) rally on Thursday night, Muizzu asserted that no truthful documentary could be made to assassinate his character.
"Not in this world, nor in the hereafter. So, if you wish to grant me so many rewards [in the afterlife], then by all means, keep making documentaries," he remarked.
In connection with the documentary case, police executed a court order to raid the Adhadhu office, seizing laptops, computer hard drives, and various other electronic devices used by the journalists.
