Criminal Court orders documentary withheld and bars any statements on case or victim

The Criminal Court has filed criminal charges against online newspaper Adhadhu’s CEO and Chief Editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the documentary Aisha. Both have been charged with qazf, an offence related to making unproven adultery allegations.

Alongside the charges, the court issued an “order not to act in a pending case”, prohibiting the publication, circulation or sharing of the documentary or any of the claims it contains, directly or indirectly. The order also bars the two editors from making any statements about the verdict or the alleged victim while the case is ongoing.

The court further instructed that documents submitted in the case and information related to the trial must not be released, noting that such cases may be conducted behind closed doors under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution to uphold societal moral standards. Any breach of the order may be treated as contempt of court.

According to the court, the restrictions were imposed to protect reputations, uphold the presumption of innocence, and safeguard the rights of both the accused and the alleged victim.

Fiyaz and Hassan were produced before police on the 29th of last month, where both exercised their right to remain silent.

Police have launched a major investigation into the documentary. Under a court order, officers raided Adhadhu’s office, searched the premises and seized a large quantity of electronic equipment and computer systems used for journalism. This marks the first time in recent history that police have raided the office of a Maldivian media outlet.

Authorities have also taken action against the two editors personally. Their passports have been withheld until July 27, and both were questioned by police but chose to remain silent.

The case is now proceeding through the Criminal Court.