Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Wednesday night that the MDP would continue protesting every day in defence of press freedom and freedom of expression.

The protests come after senior Adhadhu figures Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Ahmed were charged in connection with a video documentary published by the newspaper.

Criminal Court also issued a gag order prohibiting discussion of the case, directly or indirectly.

Two Adhadhu journalists were later sentenced to prison for contempt of court after being found guilty of violating the order.

Speaking during an MDP protest in Male', Nasheed said freedom of the press and freedom of expression were among the most important rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“If those rights are interfered with, the prosperity of the people will be shaken,” he said.

“MDP will stand up and protest every day.”

Nasheed joined protesters marching along Majeedhee Magu on Wednesday night. Supporters of former President Abdulla Yameen and his PNF party also took part in the demonstration, alongside family members of the imprisoned journalists.

Yameen earlier said he was prepared to work with Nasheed and former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in defence of journalists.