Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan, who was released today after serving a 15-day prison sentence for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu, declared that he entered the profession with unwavering resolve and cannot be intimidated.
Shahzan was wrongfully imprisoned after a court ruled that his question regarding allegations against Muizzu constituted a violation of a court order and contempt of court. The court order was issued on a Sunday night, just ahead of Muizzu’s scheduled press conference on Monday.
Although Shauzan’s question did not reference the "Aisha" documentary banned by the order, Muizzu personally "sentenced" the journalist during the press conference, claiming he had breached the court order. The following day, in a trial where he was denied the opportunity to present defense, Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison.
"We will not be intimidated; you cannot push us back with these empty threats," Shahzan said, addressing Muizzu following his release.
Shahzan further detailed how the Maldives Correctional Service harassed him during his incarceration under the President's direct instructions. He alleged that his colleague, Leevan Ali Nasir—who was sentenced to 10 days alongside him—was moved to a separate cell on the President's orders.
"The two of us were isolated on his direct order. After that, almost every night, squads of prison officers armed with iron rods, hammers, and tools would enter my cell under President Muizzu’s instructions to dismantle my sleeping quarters and damage the walls," Shahzan recounted.
The two journalists were sentenced on May 11 during a rushed, secret hearing that denied them their legal right to a defense. They were granted only two hours to appoint legal counsel.
Upon sentencing, both were initially held in the same cell at Maafushi Prison. However, on May 15, Leevan was abruptly isolated and transferred to a unit housing high-profile convicts involved in major homicides.
While both Adhadhu journalists have now completed their sentences and been released, criminal trials against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed are scheduled to begin next month.
Furthermore, all journalists from the Adhadhu remain barred from attending government press conferences.
