Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan has been released today after completing a 15-day prison sentence for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu after a Criminal Court order prohibiting discussion of the documentary "Aisha."
The 30-minute documentary, released on March 28, features a former President's Office employee leveling serious allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against Muizzu. The President has denied these allegations.
Shahzan was wrongfully imprisoned after the court ruled that his question regarding the allegations constituted a violation of a court order and contempt of court. The court order was issued on a Sunday night, just ahead of the President's scheduled press conference on Monday.
While critics have described the order as a move to stifle questioning regarding the allegations against Muizzu, Shahzan has now served the full 15 days of his sentence in a prison cell. In addition to the jail time, he has been ordered to pay a fine of MVR 26,800 to the state.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has appealed for public donations to assist in paying the fines.
Shahzan is not the only Adhadhu journalist targeted; Leevan Ali Naseer was also wrongfully punished. Leevan was released last Friday after serving a 10-day sentence and is required to pay a fine of MVR 25,800. He was sentenced for reporting on the issuance of the court order itself.
The MJA is requesting public assistance to cover the fines for both journalists. Contributions can be made directly to the following accounts:
- Shahzan’s Account: 7704279704101
- Leevan’s Account: 7730000168109
The MJA requests that those who transfer funds send the transaction slips via Viber to 9737592.
The two journalists were sentenced on May 11 during a rushed, closed-door hearing where they were denied their right to a legal defense. They were given only two hours to appoint legal counsel.
Following the sentencing, both were taken to Maafushi Prison and initially shared a cell. However, on May 15, Leevan was abruptly moved to solitary confinement in a unit housing high-profile convicts.
The Maldives Correctional Service has not disclosed the reason for this 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 put at risk as authorities obstructed the provision of the specialized lotion required for his treatment.
The two journalists were also restricted from exercising their right to purchase essential items from the prison shop. Although MVR 2,000 was deposited into their accounts the day after their sentencing, Leevan and Shahzan were denied the opportunity to use those funds for basic necessities.
