Mohamed Shahzan, a journalist at Adhadhu, was released from prison on Friday after serving a sentence for contempt of court.

Shahzan had been sentenced to 15 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, Leevan Ali Naseer, was also jailed for contempt of court and sentenced to 10 days in prison. He was released on 22 May after completing his sentence.

Criminal Court had issued an order prohibiting direct or indirect discussion of a video documentary released by Adhadhu in connection with a qazf case filed by the state against Adhadhu chief executive Hussain Fiyaz and managing editor Hassan Mohamed.

Shahzan was jailed after questioning the matter during a press conference held at the President's Office despite the court order banning public discussion of the documentary.

Leevan, meanwhile, was sentenced for publishing an article about the order.

International organizations and press freedom groups had called for the release of both journalists, while political parties and activists staged demonstrations in Male' in protest against their detention.

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

The trial of Fiyaz and Hassan in connection with the documentary is ongoing.