News Desk
The Criminal Court today sentenced two journalists from the online outlet Adhadhu to jail on contempt of court charges, intensifying scrutiny over a case tied to a video documentary the outlet released ahead of recent national votes.
Mohammed Shahzan received a 15‑day jail term, while Leevan Ali Naseer was sentenced to 10 days. Both were taken into custody after the court ruled that they had violated an order barring any reference to the documentary, which had already been prohibited from circulation.
Shahzan was detained after the court said he had spoken about the documentary despite the standing order. The restriction was issued after prosecutors filed Qazf charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohammed. Their trial is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Tensions rose further yesterday when Shahzan questioned President Dr Mohamed Muizzu about the case during a press conference at the President’s Office. The President instructed him to leave the hall, saying he had breached a court order. Security officers escorted him out. The Prosecutor General’s Office then requested an investigation, leading to his appearance before the Criminal Court today on contempt charges.
Leevan was also arrested for writing a news report that the court said violated the same order linked to the documentary. He appeared before the court at 11am, while Shahzan’s hearing was scheduled for 1pm.
In a separate development, the Prosecutor General’s Office on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against Fiaz and Hassan. Their passports have been withheld until July, and they have been ordered to appear in court tomorrow.
From the opposition ranks, MDP president Abdulla Shahid condemned the jailing of the two journalists. In a post on X, he said journalists must never be jailed for doing their jobs.
Minister Saeed Criticises Adhadhu Journalist for Questioning President in Violation of Court Order
