Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has appealed the Criminal Court issued gag order regarding the Adhadhu documentary at the High Court. 

The gag order prohibits circulation of the documentary, and direct or indirect discussion of its contents amongst media or the public. 

The gag order was issued in response to a request from the State, which also sought to press charges of qazf against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed. 

Qazf is an Islamic legal term referring to false accusation of adultery or fornication. 

Hassan Falah is the lead lawyer of behalf of the MJA as they have submitted the appeal to the High Court. MJA said that several lawyers will advocate in court on behalf of the association in this case. 

MJA has also appealed for those affected by the gag order to intervene in the case. 

Meanwhile, two Adhadhu journalists have been imprisoned on charges of contempt of court, citing breach of the gag order. 

Leevan Ali Nasir was jailed for 10 days for his reporting on the gag order while Mohamed Shahzan received 15 days in jail for asking a question related to the documentary at a recent presidential press briefing while the gag order was already in place. 

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," a statement from the MJA reads.