‘Adhadhu’ Editor and CEO Charged Over ‘Aisha’ Documentary Case, Court Orders Not to Circulate Documentary
Adhadhu Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed (L) and CEO Hussain Fiyaz (R). The travel ban notice issued to Managing Editor Hassan stated that his passport was seized due to the publication of a video—referring to the documentary—in which “numerous lies” about the president were allegedly spread.
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has filed criminal charges of false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse, or the charge of Qazf, against the CEO of Adhadhu Online, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, in connection with the release of the documentary “Aisha.”
According to the PG Office, the charges were submitted to the Criminal Court yesterday, under Section 612 of the Penal Code, which criminalises Qazf—the act of making a false accusation of unlawful sexual intercourse.
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Section 612 defines Qazf as falsely accusing an individual of committing or engaging in premarital sexual intercourse (Zina). The offence is classified as a Class 4 felony and carries penalties, including a mandatory sentence of 80 lashes upon conviction.
The charges stem from the publication of the “Aisha” documentary on 28 March, which allegedly included accusations against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Prosecutors contend that Fiyaz and Hassan, in their roles at Adhadhu Online, were responsible for the production and release of the documentary, forming the basis of the case.
The Criminal Court has imposed a series of restrictions pending the outcome of the case. These include:
- A ban on the circulation of the “Aisha” documentary until a final ruling is issued
- A prohibition on making statements—directly or indirectly—regarding the claims in the documentary
- A ban on public discussion of the parties involved or the alleged victim
- An order barring the dissemination of any court documents or information related to the
