MJA Files Appeal at High Court Against Criminal Court Order

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has filed an appeal at the High Court of the Maldives today seeking to overturn the Criminal Court’s “gag order” imposed on the public regarding the ‘Aisha’ documentary.

According to MJA, the decision to appeal was made because the Criminal Court’s order poses serious restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression.

MJA stated that the order violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Maldivian Constitution, including freedom of expression, media freedom, and the right to seek and obtain information.

Attorney Hassan Falah has been appointed as lead counsel to represent MJA in the High Court. The association said that, once the case is formally registered, several lawyers from its legal team will participate in representing MJA in the proceedings.

MJA also called on all parties affected by the Criminal Court’s order, as well as those wishing to intervene in the case, to join the legal challenge.

The Criminal Court had issued an order prohibiting the public from discussing the ‘Aisha’ documentary. Two journalists from Adhadhu have also been jailed for allegedly violating the order.