The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council today passed a resolution to support the joint efforts of former Presidents Abdulla Yameen, Mohamed Nasheed, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following a crackdown on independent media that has seen journalists jailed and criminal charges filed against others.
The resolution to cooperate with the former presidents' initiative was passed by the MDP National Council after being proposed by Fayyaz Ismail and Mohamed Saleem.
"This party believes that participating in the efforts initiated by former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to bring the nation back on the right track is in the best interest of the Maldivian state and its citizens," the resolution stated.
The three former presidents agreed to work together last Friday, forming a joint committee to coordinate their efforts. The committee held its inaugural meeting yesterday in Male'.
The efforts by President Mohamed Muizzu to dismantle independent media followed the release of a documentary by Adhadhu, which featured an interview from a former President's Office employee alleging an extramarital affair with the President.
Following the documentary's release, a police team acting on Muizzu’s orders raided the Adhadhu office and seized equipment. A court order was obtained to prohibit any discussion regarding the allegations against the President.
Journalist Mohamed Shahzan from Adhadhu was sentenced to 15 days in prison after questioning Muizzu about the allegations. Additionally, journalist Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to 10 days in prison for reporting on the court order that banned discussion of the claims.
The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office has also filed criminal charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the documentary. Secret court proceedings for the case have already commenced at an accelerated pace.
