The Criminal Court on Wednesday commenced proceedings in the qazf case filed against Adhadhu News CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and the outlet’s editor Hassan Mohamed, marking the latest development in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
The first preliminary hearing was held at 1 p.m., according to information confirmed by the court. A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for after the Eid holidays.
Closed-Door Hearings and Gag Order
Proceedings related to qazf cases are conducted privately under Maldivian law, meaning members of the public and media are not permitted to attend. The court has also imposed a gag order preventing the disclosure of information connected to the ongoing trial.
Because of those restrictions, lawyers representing parties in the case declined to comment on what took place during Wednesday’s hearing.
The Prosecutor General’s Office formally charged Fiyaz and Hassan on Sunday after what observers described as a fast-tracked investigation. During police questioning, both journalists reportedly exercised their constitutional right to remain silent.
Documentary at Center of Dispute
Prosecutors additionally requested a court order barring the two journalists from speaking, either directly or indirectly, about a documentary published by Adhadhu News. The Criminal Court approved that request.
The case has intensified debate surrounding media freedom and the rights of journalists in the Maldives, particularly regarding the protection of confidential sources. When questioned by police during the investigation, Fiyaz and Hassan refused to answer inquiries related to the case, arguing that journalists are constitutionally entitled to safeguard their sources.
For many in the media community, the issue raises a broader question: where should the line be drawn between criminal investigations and press protections?
Contempt Case Adds to Tensions
The trial began just one day after two Adhadhu journalists were sentenced to jail for contempt of court. The charges were linked to questions raised during a press conference at the President’s Office and subsequent reporting related to the court order.
That development added further scrutiny to the ongoing legal actions involving the news outlet, with concerns growing among journalists and civil society groups over the implications for independent reporting.
Court Orders Access to Devices
During the investigation phase, the Criminal Court also ordered Adhadhu to provide police access to electronic devices and digital accounts seized as part of the inquiry.
The order required the outlet to hand over passcodes for laptops, hard drives, USB devices, cloud storage accounts, and social media platforms so investigators could examine stored data.
However, Fiyaz reportedly refused to comply with the directive.
The case is expected to continue after the Eid break, with further hearings likely to remain closed to the public under existing court restrictions.
