Nine Arrested at Protest Last Night Over Jailed Adhadhu Journalists  

At least nine people were taken into custody during a protest in Malé last night, as demonstrators demanded the release of two detained journalists from the outlet Adhadhu.

The protest, led by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the People’s National Front (PNF), drew a larger crowd than in previous gatherings, with former president Mohamed Nasheed seen at the front of the march as it began.

advertisement

The demonstration was held in response to the detention of Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzaan and Leevan Ali Nasir, who were arrested a day earlier. 

Opposition Groups Unite

MDP and PNF supporters initially gathered separately before merging during the march to jointly call for the journalists’ release. Malé Mayor Adam Azim, senior opposition figures, and family members of the detained journalists were also in attendance.

According to media reports, protestors marched east along Majeedhee Magu toward the Artificial Beach area, where the two groups converged. The crowd later reversed direction and moved west before turning onto Alikilegefaanu Magu, heading toward the presidential residence, Mulee’aage.

Police blocked access to the street leading to the residence, halting the march midway.

Clashes and Arrests

Clashes between police and protesters were reported as officers attempted to disperse the crowd. Police confirmed to local outlet Dhauru that nine individuals were taken into custody during the demonstration.

At least one protester was seen being forcibly arrested in footage broadcast live, with officers appearing to obstruct the camera during the incident. Journalists covering the protest were also pushed back from the scene.

Injuries Reported

During efforts to clear the area, one individual sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, according to media reports. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known.

Despite the crackdown, protesters regrouped near the Chaandhanee Magu–Majeedhee Magu junction and continued chanting slogans and holding placards demanding the journalists’ release. Family members of Shahzaan and Leevan joined the demonstration at various points.

On Tuesday, the Criminal Court sentenced Shahzaan to 15 days in prison after he was removed from a press conference held a day earlier for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu about allegations raised in a documentary released by the outlet last month. Laavan was jailed for 10 days for reporting on the incident. Additionally, Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and managing editor Hassan Mohamed have been put on trial on charges of false accusation of premarital sexual intercourse, or Qazf. 

Authorities subsequently barred Adhadhu journalists from attending official briefings, citing violation of a Criminal Court gag order prohibiting discussion of the film.