The prison sentences and fines imposed on Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Naseer for performing their professional duties have been appealed at the High Court.
The journalists were sentenced in a rushed trial conducted without providing adequate time to seek legal counsel. The Criminal Court ruled that they had violated an order issued to suppress discussion on the documentary "Aisha," produced by Adhadhu.
Leevan was sentenced to four months and 24 days in prison. The court ordered him to serve 10 days in jail, while the remainder of the sentence was commuted to a fine. He was ordered to pay a total of MVR 26,800 to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within 20 days.
Shahzaan also received a sentence of four months and 24 days. He was ordered to serve 15 days in prison, with the rest of the sentence converted to a fine. He must pay MVR 25,800 to MIRA within 20 days.
Their legal team confirmed that the appeal against the convictions and fines has been filed with the High Court. The defense had previously requested a stay of execution on the sentences.
Leevan was convicted for reporting on the Criminal Court order that prohibited the public from discussing the "Aisha" documentary. Shahzan’s conviction stemmed from a question he posed to President Mohamed Muizzu.
The two journalists were initially held in a cell in Unit 12 of Maafushi Prison. However, Leevan was abruptly moved to solitary confinement in Unit 10 last Friday. Maldives Correctional Service has not disclosed the reason for this transfer.
