Public Barred as Slander Trial Begins for Ex-President’s Office Staffer

The Criminal Court has closed to the public the trial of a former President’s Office staff member who faces slander (qazf) charges.

The preliminary hearing began at 10am today, with the accused, Easha Ashraf, appearing in court alongside her legal counsel. The case is being heard by Judge Ibrahim Zihuny.

According to the court’s official schedule, the hearing was conducted behind closed doors, preventing members of the media and the public from attending.

The charges stem from accusations that Easha provided an interview for the controversial “Aisha” documentary. She had previously been summoned for questioning by police over her alleged role in the broadcast, though she expressed concern that authorities failed to provide her with an adequate opportunity to present a defence during the investigation.

Police launched their probe approximately one month after the documentary was published, summoning Easha for questioning and impounding her passport. The Prosecutor General’s Office filed formal slander charges against her at the Criminal Court on 28 September.

Easha previously held a political position at the President’s Office under the current administration. She was subsequently transferred across two other ministries before being dismissed from government service.

The case follows separate slander proceedings against the CEO and Editor of the news outlet over their alleged involvement in producing the documentary. The Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges against the two senior journalists in May.

Their passports were also impounded, and both invoked their constitutional right to protect sources by declining to answer questions during police interrogations. Their trial is likewise being conducted in secret.

The Criminal Court previously issued a strict gag order barring the public from discussing or sharing information regarding the documentary. Despite alleged violations of the order by several individuals, two journalists from the outlet remain the only individuals jailed for contempt of court in connection with the ruling. 

The underlying controversy revolves around the broadcast of the “Aisha” documentary, in which an unidentified interviewee alleged a past personal connection to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The broadcast detailed allegations involving encrypted messaging, financial gifts, job transfers within government bodies, and personal commitments. However, the administration has dismissed the documentary’s claims as fabricated and politically motivated.