Journalists Jailed for First Time in Maldives’ Democratic Era, Says MJA

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has condemned the imprisonment of two Adhadhu journalists, describing it as the first time journalists have been jailed in the democratic history of the Maldives and warning that the country is witnessing a dangerous decline in press freedom and democratic rights.

In a press release issued tonight, MJA said the jailing of Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir marks “the first time in Maldives’ democratic history” that journalists have been jailed over their reporting.

Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison after questioning President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference about alleged late-night calls made to a former presidential aide. Leevan was sentenced to 10 days in jail for reporting on a Criminal Court gag order related to allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse of power against the president.

MJA said the cases stem from a documentary released by Adhadhu, in which a former presidential aide made serious allegations against Muizzu.

The association also condemned the Criminal Court’s sweeping gag order, arguing that it prevents public discussion of the allegations and blocks journalists from reporting on the related criminal proceedings against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.

“MJA strongly and unequivocally condemns the abuse of power by the executive branch and the judiciary in a poorly concealed attempt to muzzle the free press,” the statement read.

The organization further raised concerns over due process, stating that both journalists were allegedly given only two hours to appoint legal representation before their contempt hearings proceeded without lawyers present.

MJA argued that the restrictions imposed on media freedom fail to meet constitutional standards of legality, necessity and proportionality, and warned that the actions signal “the backsliding of democratic rights under the Muizzu regime.”

The association called for the immediate and unconditional release of Shahzan and Leevan, urging authorities to halt efforts to suppress the media and instead conduct an independent and credible investigation into the allegations surrounding the president.