The Adhadhu journalist who wrote an article reporting on the gag order issued by the Criminal Court yesterday in relation to the outlet's documentary has now been summoned to court over its phrasing and content.
The gag order issued by the Criminal Court yesterday prohibits direct or indirect discussion of the documentary, and warns that such acts could constitute contempt of court.
Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Naseer has been summoned to appear before the court tomorrow morning, citing his reporting of the gag order being in contempt of the court.
The court issued the order yesterday following an appeal from the State to issue the order and to press charges of qazf against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed.
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.
In response to a question posed by media at the weekly press briefing held this morning, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that it is obligatory for all citizens to abide by the court-issued gag order.
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.
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.
