Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) stated tonight that the sentencing of two journalists to jail by the Criminal Court is evidence of the government's influence over the Maldivian judiciary, asserting that such attacks on press freedom and freedom of speech will not succeed.

Following a ruling of contempt of court, Mohamed Shahzan of "Adhadhu" news was sentenced to 15 days in prison, while Leevan Ali Naseer received a 10-day jail sentence.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the detention of Shahzan and Leevan, Solih said that the jailing of the "Adhadhu" journalists is another "shameful chapter" added to the government's efforts to intimidate journalists and silence the voice of the people.

"This is clear evidence of the government meddling in the justice system," he stated.

"Such attacks on press freedom and freedom of speech will not succeed."

The former President further stated that he would never back down in defending the rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution, which Maldivians secured through hard work.

The order to detain Shahzan was issued after he asked a question during a press conference at the President’s Office regarding the video documentary released by "Adhadhu," despite a standing court order prohibiting any discussion on the matter.

Leevan was ordered to be detained on allegations that he wrote a news report in violation of the order issued concerning the video documentary.

The previous order issued by the Criminal Court explicitly instructed that the video documentary published by "Adhadhu" news must not be circulated within the community and that no content within the documentary should be discussed, either directly or indirectly.

That order was issued following a request from the state after Qazf (false accusation of unchastity) charges were filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and editor Hassan Mohamed. The trial for that case is scheduled to begin tomorrow.