Former President Abdulla Yameen has called on the government to "learn how to file civil defamation lawsuits" as a means of protecting reputations.

He made these remarks in a message sent to the media following the Criminal Court's decision to sentence two journalists from "Adhadhu" news, Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, to prison for contempt of court.

Calling for the immediate release of the two journalists, Yameen stated that journalists are performing a national service.

"Let us learn to file defamation suits for the purpose of protecting reputations," Yameen said.

Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days and Leevan to 10 days in prison after the court ruled they had committed contempt of court by discussing matters related to the video documentary published by "Adhadhu" news, despite a standing court order prohibiting any discussion on the topic.

While Yameen has called for the journalists’ release, his administration oversaw the passage of the Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act in 2016, a law widely seen as restricting press freedom.

Several journalists were arrested during protests against the legislation among the first large-scale demonstrations by journalists in the Maldives demanding press rights. Daily newspaper "Haveeru" was also forced to shut down during Yameen’s presidency.

The defamation law, which Yameen ratified with the intent of narrowing the freedom of expression, was eventually repealed by Parliament on November 14, 2018, following his defeat in the presidential election in 2018.

The defamation law was a piece of legislation crafted by the then PPM coalition in Parliament under Yameen's influence, specifically aimed at controlling the media. Despite opposition from media outlets and numerous suggestions provided to improve the bill, the PPM passed the defamation law on August 8, 2016, exactly as Yameen had instructed, without considering any changes.

Under the powers granted by that law, the Broadcasting Commission also imposed heavy fines on "Raajje TV" on multiple occasions.