Bar Council says jailing of two Adhadhu journalists violated due process and press freedom

The Bar Council of Maldives has expressed deep concern over the jailing of two Adhadhu journalists, stating that the Criminal Court’s handling of the case raises serious questions about due process, fair trial standards, and constitutional protections.

In a series of formal letters sent on Wednesday to the Criminal Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office, the Bar Council highlighted its concerns over the imprisonment of the journalists and the broader implications for press freedom, freedom of expression, and open justice.

The Bar Council reminded the Attorney General that all state institutions entrusted with upholding the Constitution and the rule of law must act strictly within the legal framework and in accordance with the Maldives’ international obligations. It urged the government to halt unconstitutional actions by state agencies that infringe upon fundamental rights, and called on the Attorney General to take necessary legal steps under Article 133 of the Constitution to address such practices, in line with the State’s duty under Article 18 to protect and promote fundamental rights.

Bar Council of Maldives expresses deep concern over the deterioration of press freedom, freedom of expression, and due process, and calls to uphold the rule of law and fundamental constitutional rights.
Press release: https://t.co/kRqzuwE0I2 pic.twitter.com/t5SrsZYnw2

— Bar Council of the Maldives (@MvBarCouncil) May 13, 2026

In its letter to Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef, the Bar Council stressed that decisions relating to the prosecution of journalists must respect fundamental rights, procedural safeguards, and press freedom. It also urged the Prosecutor General to review the prosecutorial order issued in the case and to examine the Criminal Court’s decision to find a journalist guilty of contempt based solely on a letter.

In a separate letter to Chief Criminal Court Judge Adam Mohamed, the Bar Council underscored that equal enjoyment of rights and adherence to natural justice are essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary and upholding the rule of law. The Council said it is “deeply concerned” about the court’s actions in this case.

The two Adhadhu journalists were jailed for allegedly violating a Criminal Court order linked to charges against the newspaper’s leadership. Journalist Leevan Ali Naseer was produced before the court for writing a story about the court order, while Mohamed Shahzan was produced for allegedly questioning President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a press conference at the President’s Office in violation of the same order.