Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has announced that they will be appealing the blanket gag order issued by the Criminal Court prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of a video documentary released by Adhadhu.
Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to prison yesterday citing breach of the order.
A statement issued by the MJA condemning the imprisonment of the two journalists states that the gag order prevents journalists from reporting and deprives the public's right to information.
"The gag order restricting freedom of speech and the media doesn't meet the three-part test of legality, necessity and proportionality required by the Maldivian Constitution and the Maldives' international obligations," the statement reads, announcing that MJA is working on appealing the order.
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.
