Leevan Ali Naseer, a journalist at Adhadhu, was released from prison this morning after serving a sentence for contempt of court.

Leevan had been sentenced to 10 days in prison on 12 May for violating a gag order issued by the Criminal Court. He was released from Hulhumale' prison this morning.

Another Adhadhu journalist, Mohamed Shahzan, was also jailed for contempt of court. Shahzan received a 15-day sentence.

The Criminal Court issued an order prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of a video documentary released by Adhadhu.

Leevan was imprisoned after publishing an article about the court order.

Shahzan was sentenced after questioning the President about the documentary during a press conference held at the President's Office, despite the court’s ban on discussing the documentary.

International organizations have called for the release of the two journalists, while political parties and activists have staged a series of demonstrations in Male' in protest against their detention.

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has also launched an investigation into the treatment of Leevan and Shahzan during their imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the trial of Fiyaz and Hassan in connection with the video documentary has also begun.