Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan has been released today after completing a 15-day prison sentence for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu after a Criminal Court order prohibiting discussion of the documentary “Aisha.”
The 30-minute documentary, released on March 28, features a former President’s Office employee leveling serious allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against Muizzu. The President has denied these allegations.
Shahzan was wrongfully imprisoned after the court ruled that his question regarding the allegations constituted a violation of a court order and contempt of court. The court order was issued on a Sunday night, just ahead of the President’s scheduled press conference on Monday.
While critics have described the order as a move to stifle questioning regarding the allegations against Muizzu, Shahzan has now served the full 15 days of his sentence in a prison cell. In addition to the jail time, he has been ordered to pay a fine of MVR 26,800 to the state.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has appealed for public donations to assist in paying the fines.
Shahzan is not the only Adhadhu journalist targeted; Leevan Ali Naseer was also wrongfully punished. Leevan was released last Friday after serving a 10-day sentence and is required to pay a fine of MVR 25,800. He was sentenced for reporting on the issuance of the court order itself.
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