Free Shahzan & Leevan
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Free Shahzan & Leevan

Stand with the Maldives media community in demanding the immediate release of Adhadhu journalists Shahzan and Leevan. Journalism is not a crime.

Key Timeline

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Release of the 'Aisha' Documentary

Adhadhu publishes an investigative documentary titled Aisha, reporting on allegations of an extramarital affair involving President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and a former President's Office employee. The President's Office denies the claims, calling them baseless.

Police Newsroom Raid & Criminal Charges

President Muizzu publicly denies the allegations. Shortly afterward, Maldives Police raid Adhadhu's newsroom under a court order, confiscating laptops, hard drives, and equipment. Criminal proceedings for Qazf are filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed, alongside travel bans.

Criminal Court Gag Order Issued

The Criminal Court issues a sweeping injunction prohibiting the distribution of the documentary and barring public discussion of the allegations, the defendants, or the individual involved.

Leevan's Article & Shahzaan's Press Conference Question

May 10: Journalist Leevan Ali Nasir writes a news report detailing the issuance and scope of the gag order. May 11: During a live press conference, journalist Mohamed Shahzaan questions President Muizzu regarding calls connected to the allegations. Shahzaan is accused of breaching the gag order, expelled from the room, and Adhadhu is banned indefinitely from future briefings.

Summary Hearings and Jailing for Contempt

Leevan and Shahzaan are summoned to the Criminal Court, granted only two hours to arrange legal defense, and appear without representation in closed hearings. A three-judge panel finds both in summary contempt of court: Leevan Ali Nasir sentenced to 10 days (fine MVR 26,800); Mohamed Shahzaan sentenced to 15 days (fine MVR 25,000). Both are immediately taken into custody — the first time journalists were jailed by the Criminal Court under contempt provisions since the 2008 Constitution.

Release of Leevan Ali Nasir

Leevan Ali Nasir is released from prison after completing his full 10-day sentence.

Release of Mohamed Shahzaan

Mohamed Shahzaan is released from custody upon serving his 15-day prison sentence.

Adhadhu journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir were sentenced to jail on May 12, 2026.

  • Mohamed Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison (and fined MVR 25,000).

  • Leevan Ali Nasir was sentenced to 10 days in prison (and fined MVR 26,800).

They were found guilty of contempt of court after allegedly violating a gag order regarding their reporting on a documentary about President Mohamed Muizzu.

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