The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns in the strongest terms the jailing of Adhadhu MV journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
One journalist was jailed for reporting on a court order. The other was jailed for asking a question. These are not crimes. They are the basic functions of a free press, and their prosecution is a direct and deliberate attack on independent media in the Maldives.
MDP notes with serious concern that both journalists were denied access to legal counsel and given no adequate time to prepare a defence. This is a gross violation of their fair trial rights and a contempt for due process. These arrests are part of a pattern of state-sanctioned action designed to suppress legitimate scrutiny of President Muizzu's conduct and silence the press.
MDP calls on our international partners to engage urgently with the Maldivian government and send a clear message about the deteriorating state of democratic governance. We call on the authorities to release Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir immediately, and to uphold the constitutional rights that protect a free press.