President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that all citizens must abide by the gag order issued by the Criminal Court yesterday in relation to the documentary produced by media outlet Adhadhu.
The court ordered a blanket ban on media and the public from directly or indirectly speaking about the documentary or its contents, warning that doing so may amount to contempt of court.
In response to a question posed by media at the weekly press briefing held this morning, President Muizzu stated that it is obligatory for all citizens to abide by the court-issued gag order.
"This is not something done by the government. The judiciary will do their work," the President said.
President Muizzu said freedom of expression is widely upheld in the Maldives, but stressed that all citizens must act within the law. He added that actions contrary to Islamic principles and the Constitution cannot be justified in the name of free expression.
"No one has that right. Wearing a journalist's pass is not a license to defame people. Being a muslim, you do not have a license to defame anyone," the President said.
Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan posed a question related to the documentary at today's press briefing. President Muizzu retorted that Shahuzan was then in contempt of court and stated that it would not be allowed in the President's Office, and asked him to leave. Shahuzan was then escorted off the premises by security personnel.
The gag order issued on the media and public by the Criminal Court prohibits:
- Circulating the documentary released by Adhadhu
- Referring directly or indirectly to information contained in the documentary
- Mentioning the plaintiff or alleged victim connected to the case
- Publishing documents submitted in the case or information related to the ongoing trial
The order states that violating any of these restrictions could amount to contempt of court.
The ruling was issued by Criminal Court judge Muzammil Nasir after prosecutors sought specific measures against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohamed on qazf charges.
Qazf is an Islamic legal term referring to the false accusation of adultery or fornication.
In its order, the court said the offence of qazf is considered a major sin in Islamic Sharia because of the importance placed on protecting individual reputation and dignity.
The court also stated that accused individuals have the right to protection of their name and reputation unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the order, courts are responsible for balancing the rights of both accused persons and alleged victims during criminal proceedings while upholding constitutional rights and legal protections.
Fiyaz and Hassan were questioned by police in connection with alleged gazf offences. Both reportedly exercised their right to remain silent, citing constitutional protections allowing journalists to safeguard confidential sources.
