Saleem drops legal rights, compensation to be paid to Dhiyares and Heena

Former Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem stated that he had been defamed and his reputation damaged due to a news article published by Dhiyares and demanded compensation from the newspaper and Editor Heena Waleed. 

He had sued them for defamation but dropped the charges, resulting in Saleem being ordered to pay MVR 15,000 to them for trial costs.

Saleem took the case to Civil Court, stating that he was suing them for defamation due to a social media post that was made public. The video showed immoral acts, with Dhiyares having published a news article on 25th June 2022 stating that one of the individuals seen in the video looks to be Saleem.

The charges were to prove that his reputation had been damaged due to the news article, including a material compensation of MVR 5,000, compensation for psychological damages of MVR 10 million and attorney fees totaling MVR 50,000.

Before Saleem had pressed charges, he had issued a complaint to the former Media Council. The defense had taken note of this fact. The complaint submission form from the Media Council also states that they are to sign an affidavit and waive all rights regarding other claims in the matter.

The affidavit in the Media Council complaint submission form states, "...I hereby state that all the information provided in the form is the whole truth and if the complaint being submitted is a chargeable offense, I agree to waive all legal rights. I am waiving that right after I have carefully considered its nature, extent and outcome. This is also after I have sought legal counsel at my own discretion."

Judge Zulaikha Sheeza ruled that the MVR 15,000 sought by Heena legal representation costs was reasonable and that the compensation requested by Saleem was unobtainable. This resulted in Judge Zulaikha ruling that Dhiyares and Heena should be compensated for their requested amount.

"As per the aforementioned, the compensation sought by Ahmed Saleem from Dhiyares Media and Heena Waleed are legal remedies that cannot be given to Saleem. As per the charges, Ahmed Saleem is to pay Dhiyares Media and Heena Waleed MVR 15,000 for legal representation costs," the order said.

The Civil Court has ordered the fine be paid in full within 21 days starting from 21st September.