Following today’s Criminal Court order prohibiting the dissemination of any information regarding the video documentary released by "Adhadhu" news, Elections Commission (EC) has issued a notice to political parties.
The Commission instructed parties to conduct their political activities in accordance with the general order issued by the Criminal Court today, which applies to everyone and prohibits discussing the documentary directly or indirectly.
In the notice sent to the parties, Elections Commission stated that political activities must be carried out within the boundaries of the court order.
- Not to circulate the video documentary published by "Adhadhu" news within the community.
- Not to discuss any content within the documentary, either directly or indirectly.
- Not to speak about any party to the case or the victim in connection with the documentary.
- Not to spread documents submitted to the case or information related to the trial.
The order stated that any of these actions would be considered contempt of court.
Criminal Court Judge Muzzamil Nasir issued this order following a request from the state today for an order mandating specific compliance, after charging "Adhadhu" CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohamed with Qazf (false accusation of unchastity).
In the order issued today, Criminal Court stated that since the offense of Qazf is among the major sins in Islamic Shariah, it has been prohibited in the strongest terms and carries a severe punishment. The order noted that it is prohibited to such an extent to protect reputation and self-dignity.
The order stated that even in a situation where an individual is accused and charged, they have the right to have their name and reputation protected; and there is no legal basis to consider a person to have committed a crime unless a court sentences them after the crime is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The order stated that the rights of the accused and the victim must be fulfilled during the trial stage in a way that balances these two rights.
Furthermore, the Judge stated in the order that before the court decides on the subject matter of the case, the courts are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding all principles of the Constitution, the law, and the rights and freedoms of all individuals in a manner that does not affect the rights stated in the Constitution.
Both Fiyaz and Hassan were summoned to the police regarding the allegation of Qazf. However, both chose to remain silent during the investigation stage. They stated the reason for this is that protecting a journalist's source is a right provided by the Constitution and that, as journalists, they would not reveal their sources.
