Adhadhu Journalist Removed from President’s Office Over Alleged Court Order Breach

Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan was removed from the President’s Office today after being accused of violating a court order.

The removal took place on the direction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who said the journalist had breached a gag order issued by the Criminal Court during a question posed at a press conference held for the media.

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Shahzan’s question related to a documentary released by the Adhadhu news outlet. However, the Criminal Court issued an order yesterday prohibiting the public dissemination of any content from the documentary. The order also barred the circulation of the video and the discussion of its contents, whether directly or indirectly.

Responding to the question, President Muizzu said the “rule of law” would be upheld at the President’s Office and described the allegations raised against him as false and without basis.

The court order stated that cases of this nature may be heard in camera to protect constitutional moral principles, and therefore documents and information related to the proceedings must not be disclosed. It also warned that any such disclosure could constitute contempt of court.

Earlier, responding to another journalist on the same issue, President Muizzu said court orders must be followed by all individuals and emphasised that the executive does not interfere in judicial decisions under the principle of separation of powers.

He said the Maldives has strong press freedom but added that this does not permit actions that violate the law or Constitution. He also stated that the country remains a 100 per cent Muslim nation and that constitutional limits are clearly defined.

President Muizzu said his administration would uphold the rule of law and stressed that freedom of expression does not extend to actions that breach legal or constitutional boundaries.

“Putting on a journalist’s pass does not give you the licence to defame others. I do not believe this is a licence that anyone has. As a Muslim, one is not allowed to defame others at all,” he said.