The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has appealed to the High Court’s judges' bench following the Registrar’s refusal to accept a challenge against a Criminal Court order.
The lower court's order bans the circulation of the documentary "Aisha" and prohibits the public from discussing any content related to it.
MJA filed the appeal on May 14, contending that the order obstructs press freedom and the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
Despite the order being applicable to the general public, the High Court Registrar ruled that an appeal can only be filed by the parties directly involved in the case. The appeal was rejected on the grounds that MJA was not a party to the proceedings.
MJA President Ahmed Naif confirmed that the association has requested the judges' bench to overturn the Registrar's decision. Naif argued that the order infringes upon the fundamental rights of over 100 journalists represented by the association.
The case has also been appealed by Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu. The original court order was directed at Fiyaz, Adhadhu’s Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, and the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.
The court's decision has drawn criticism, with legal experts questioning the legitimacy of the order. They highlighted that extending such a mandate to the general public, beyond the immediate parties of the case, may infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
