“Baseless charges” against local TV journalists, says lawyer

The criminal charges against the three journalists of local television channel Raajje TV who were arrested for allegedly obstructing police are completely baseless, declared the journalists’ attorney as he expressed hopes for a just verdict.

Lawyer Abdulla Haseen made the remark during a Raajje TV press conference held Tuesday ahead of the verdict that is scheduled to be announced for journalists Mohamed Visam, Leevan Ali Nazeer and Adam Zareer.

Declaring that the witness testimonies against the journalists were proof enough of the groundless indictiment, Lawyer Haseen said that the state should withdraw the charges, otherwise the only hope is the court’s verdict.

“We’re hoping to receive a just verdict. I hear different tales about these types of trials and I can’t say for sure how the court will act,” said Haseen.

The attorney stated that the testimonies made both against and in defence of the journalists all indicate the falseness of their indictment.

“The testimonies [against the journalists] from the police had blatant discrepancies. That’s exactly how it would happen; there will be inconsistencies in any talk that contradicts the truth.”

Meanwhile, Raajje TV’s CEO Hussain Fiyaz has countered that it was the police that obstructed the responsibilities of the journalists, defending that the latter had done nothing to hinder police work. He expressed apprehension that the trial’s direction hints at jail sentences for the journalists but was quick to declare that Raajje TV journalists will never hesitate to fulfil their responsibilities.

Echoing Lawyer Haseen’s hopes for a just verdict, Fiyaz added that Raajje TV will make an official request for the state to withdraw the indictments against its journalists, and launch an online campaign on social media.

Visam and Leewan were charged with obstructing police for attempting to stop policemen from arresting CEO Fiyaz, who had been caught trespassing on Maafannu Stadium which the police had closed off last year November to defuse an explosive device discovered near the presidential palace of Muliaage.

Zareer received the same indictment for pushing police barricades in an attempt to enter a restricted area during a protest last year March.

The verdict for Visam and Leevan is to be announced December 19 while Zareer’s verdict is scheduled for coming January 16.

In addition to the three journalists, CEO Fiyaz is also undergoing a criminal trial for allegedly striking a policeman.