The CEO of Adhadhu Online, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, exercised his right to remain silent today after being summoned by the police regarding the documentary titled "Aisha."
The summon notice sent to Fiyaz stated that the documentary, which featured anonymous interviews with altered voices, is alleged to contain slanderous accusations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Following these allegations, police entered the Adhadhu office last Monday night and seized a significant amount of equipment.
Fiyaz was summoned to the police headquarters this afternoon for the investigation.
After spending approximately thirty minutes at the Sgt. Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building, Fiyaz's legal counsel and former Member of Parliament, Ali Hussain, spoke to journalists outside. He stated that Fiyaz had utilized the constitutional right to remain silent.
Ali Hussain explained that Fiyaz decided to remain silent because the police questions were directed in a manner that would require the disclosure of sources. He emphasized that the most critical aspect of Fiyaz's career in journalism has been the protection of sources, which is essential to ensure the safety of informants and to guarantee they face no harm for providing information.
Fiyaz stated that he exercised his right to remain silent on behalf of the Maldivian citizens. He provided assurance that information provided by various sources would be kept secure.
"I give the assurance that for us, a source is something we will protect even if we have to remain in jail for the rest of our lives," he said.
Criminal charges leveled against Fiyaz:
- Liability for the conduct of another (Complicity) – Penal Code, Section 30.
- Liability for the conduct of another – Under Penal Code, Section 30 (a)(2).
- Slander/Defamation (Qazf) – Penal Code, Section 612.
- Solicitation to commit a crime – Penal Code, Section 81.
- Conspiracy to commit a crime – Penal Code, Section 82.
The Editor of Adhadhu, Hassan Mohamed, was also summoned to the police today regarding this case and likewise chose to remain silent.
In addition to Hassan and Fiyaz, the passport of Aishath Eesha Ashraf, who is accused of providing information for the documentary, has been withheld, and she has been barred from traveling.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the British Ambassador to the Maldives, Nick Low, have expressed concern over the police seizure of items from the Adhadhu office and the travel bans imposed on its staff.
