Saleem appeals defamation case against Heena at High Court

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, taking the case to lower court but was unsuccessful, with him appealing the case at High Court.

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.

However, the Civil Court's sentence last September stated that while the newspaper and Editor, current President's Office Chief Spokesperson and NSPA CEO Heena Waleed had been charged, Saleem had waived the right to press charges, with it not being proven against Heena. 

Saleem was also sentenced to pay Heena and Dhiyares MVR 15,000 in legal representation costs.

And so, while Saleem had issued an appeal to the High Court on 30th November 2025, the court has not decided to accept the case as of yet.

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.