Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Naseer has been released today after completing a 10-day prison sentence issued by the Criminal Court.
The sentence followed his reporting on a court order to stop the circulation of "Aisha," a documentary produced by Adhadhu.
The 30-minute documentary, released on March 28, features a former President's Office employee leveling serious allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against President Mohamed Muizzu. Muizzu has denied the allegations made by the former staffer.
Leevan was wrongfully imprisoned after the Criminal Court ruled that his news article on the court order constituted contempt of court. While he has completed his 10-day sentence in a prison cell, he remains liable for a fine of MVR 26,800 payable to the state.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has launched a public appeal to assist the journalist in paying the fine.
In addition to Leevan, fellow Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan is also facing unjust punishment. Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison and fined MVR 25,800 for questioning Muizzu.
The MJA is also seeking public donations to cover Shahzan’s fine. Contributions can be made directly to the journalists' accounts.
- Shahzan’s Account: 7704279704101
- Leevan’s Account: 7730000168109
The MJA requests that those who transfer funds to support the journalists send a copy of the transaction slip to 9737592.
The two journalists were sentenced on May 11 during a rushed, closed-door hearing where they were denied the right to a legal defense. They were given only two hours to find legal counsel.
Upon sentencing, both were transported to Maafushi Prison and initially shared a cell. However, on May 15, Leevan was abruptly moved to solitary confinement in a unit typically reserved for high-profile convicts involved in major homicide cases.
The Maldives Correctional Service has not disclosed the reason for the transfer. After legal counsel informed the media that the cell was unsanitary, infested with rats and cockroaches, and that Leevan was forced to sleep on the floor, prison officers cleaned the area and provided him with a mattress.
Despite this, lawyers noted that Leevan suffers from a pre-existing serious skin condition. They stated that his health was at risk as the Correctional Service had obstructed the delivery of his required medicated lotion.
The journalists’ rights to access the prison commissary were also restricted. Although MVR 2,000 was deposited into their accounts the day after their sentencing, Leevan and Shahuzan were denied the opportunity to use those funds to purchase essential items.
