The hearing scheduled for today regarding the police raid on Adhadhu office, during which all journalistic equipment was seized, has been cancelled.
Police raided the Adhadhu office on April 27, executing a court order to seek evidence for an investigation into the documentary "Aisha," which was published on March 28.
After a search lasting approximately four hours, police seized 20 devices, including laptops, hard drives, and other electronic equipment used by the newsroom.
The second hearing of the case was scheduled for 1:30 pm today. However, the Criminal Court informed the legal team that the hearing had been cancelled.
Adhadhu filed the case in court, contending that the seizure of its equipment following the office search is unlawful. The news outlet’s submission highlights four points.
The submission argues that a search warrant and a seizure order are two distinct legal instruments. It asserts that under a search warrant, only items clearly identifiable as evidence related to a crime can be seized.
Furthermore, the submission states that during a search of private property, items whose connection to the alleged crime cannot be immediately established can only be seized if a separate seizure order is in place.
The filing also notes that under the law, property protected by legal privilege cannot be seized.
Additionally, the submission emphasizes that journalists' sources are protected by constitutional privilege. It argues that Article 28 of the Constitution prohibits compelling anyone to reveal a source, except under special circumstances.
Aboutt 10 police officers participated in the raid on the office, including an officer armed with a taser.
Two Adhadhu journalists were previously held in jail after being found in violation of an order prohibiting discussion of the "Aisha" documentary.
Adhadhu’s CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Editor, Hassan Mohamed, are currently facing trial in connection with the case.
