Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahuzan was removed by security from today's presidential press briefing after he asked a question related to the outlet's documentary, which the Criminal Court yesterday placed under a gag order prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu responded to Shahuzan's question stating that the Criminal Court had yesterday issued a gag order on the matter.
The President stated that by asking the question, Shahuzan had violated the court order, and ordered him to leave the press briefing.
Security personnel then escorted Shahuzan off the premises.
"The court has now issued a gag order. You [Shahuzan] have violated the court order. So I request you to leave this hall," the President said.
The President claimed that Shahuzan's question raised false allegations against him, and said that the opportunity to do so would not be allowed at the press briefing.
"That is absolutely untrue. You are placing a false accusation against me. That cannot be accepted at all. You cannot act against the court order in this hall," the President said.
"The rule of law will be upheld in the President's Office."
Earlier in the press briefing, 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.
The Criminal Court ruling was issued by 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 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.
