CPJ Urges Government to Release Jailed ‘Adhadhu’ Journalists
(from L to R) Adhadhu managing editor Hassan Mohamed, journalist Mohamed Shahzaan, journalist Leevan Ali Nasir, CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa. | Photo: MJA
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Maldivian authorities to release two jailed Adhadhu journalists, describing their detention as an attempt to criminalise investigative reporting and shield the presidency from scrutiny.
Yesterday, the Criminal Court sentenced reporter Mohamed Shahzan to 15 days in prison after he was removed from a press conference held on Monday for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu about allegations raised in a documentary released by the outlet last month. Authorities subsequently barred Adhadhu journalists from attending official briefings, citing a Criminal Court gag order prohibiting discussion of the film.
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#Maldives: Authorities must immediately release journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir and end judicial harassment of their news outlet, Adhadhu, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday.
According to a report by Adhadhu and a post on X by the Maldives… pic.twitter.com/z1xi8aEe3E— CPJ Asia (@CPJAsia) May 12, 2026
In a separate ruling, Adhadhu journalist Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to 10 days in jail after the court deemed a report he published on the same gag order to be in violation of it.
The cases form part of a broader escalation against the outlet, which has included a police raid on 27 April, the seizure of equipment, and travel bans imposed on senior staff.
“The jailing of Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir is a punitive attempt to criminalize investigative journalism and shield the presidency from scrutiny,” said CPJ Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunal Majumder. He called on authorities to release the journalists, return seized equipment, and ensure the media can operate without fear.
Earlier, CPJ and six other organisations had written to President Muizzu urging an end to criminal proceedings against Adhadhu, according to the organization. The CPJ said that Maldives Police Service and the President’s Office did not immediately respond to their requests for comment.
