MJA condemns criminal charges against journalists, urges immediate withdrawal

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has strongly condemned criminal charges filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) against Adhadhu news outlet’s CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, calling on the authority to immediately withdraw the charges.

In its statement, the MJA emphasized that subjecting media organizations and journalists to criminal investigations and prosecution is fundamentally unacceptable and accordingly, condemned PGO’s decision to pursue these charges and urgently calls for their immediate withdrawal.

“This regressive move threatens the democratic norms, press freedom, and freedom of expression that were hard-won through the sacrifices of many. It severely undermines our democratic progress and risks plunging the Maldives back into authoritarianism,” the statement read.

MJA also raised concern over a “gag order” issued by the Criminal Court, which mandates the trial be held behind closed doors and prohibits the entire Maldivian population from discussing the allegations brought forth in Adhadhu’s documentary.

The statement noted that while gag orders limiting public discussion of entire cases are typically associated with jurisdictions that operate jury-based systems, Maldivian courts have previously applied such orders only to restrict parties from discussing legal arguments outside court proceedings. It added that a blanket prohibition on public discussion represents an unprecedented departure from established practice.

The criminal charges against Fiyaz and Hassan in relation to the documentary “Aisha,” produced and published by Adhadhu, was filed on Sunday. The documentary raises serious allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which authorities claim contains Qazf or false allegations of adultery against President Muizzu. Both Fiyaz and Hussain Mohamed has been charged with Qazf.

At the same time, the Criminal Court issued an order prohibiting the circulation of any content featured in the documentary. The directive applies to the general public and instructs that the video must not be shared, that its contents must not be discussed directly or indirectly, and that no statements relating to any party involved in the case or the alleged victim may be made in connection with the documentary.