The Maldives High Court has rejected an appeal filed by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) challenging a controversial gag order linked to an Adhadhu documentary case.
The ruling means the Criminal Court’s restrictions on sharing or discussing the documentary will remain in force, further intensifying concerns over press freedom and access to information in the Maldives.
Court Says MJA Has No Standing to Appeal
According to the High Court registrar’s decision, the MJA was not listed as a defendant in the original case tied to the gag order. As a result, the organization was deemed ineligible to file an appeal.
The decision effectively blocks the journalists’ association from contesting the order through the courts, at least under the current case framework.
The gag order was initially issued by the Criminal Court following a request from the State. Prosecutors also sought to file qazf charges against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed in connection with the documentary.
Under Islamic law, qazf refers to falsely accusing someone of adultery or fornication, a serious allegation with religious and legal implications.
What the Gag Order Restricts
The Criminal Court’s order imposes broad restrictions on both the media and the public regarding the documentary and the ongoing case.
The restrictions prohibit:
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Sharing or circulating the Adhadhu documentary
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Discussing information contained in the documentary, whether directly or indirectly
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Identifying or referring to the plaintiff or alleged victim linked to the case
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Publishing court documents or reporting details related to the ongoing trial
The court also warned that violating any part of the order could lead to contempt of court charges.
For many observers, the scope of the restrictions has raised difficult questions about the balance between judicial protection and freedom of expression. Critics argue the order goes beyond protecting privacy and instead limits public discussion on a matter of national interest.
Journalists Jailed Over Alleged Breach
Even before the High Court dismissed the MJA appeal, the controversy surrounding the gag order had already escalated.
Two journalists from Adhadhu were previously jailed on contempt of court charges after authorities accused them of violating the order. Their detention sparked criticism from local media advocates and rights groups, who warned that the move could have a chilling effect on journalism in the country.
In a statement issued after the arrests, the MJA strongly condemned the imprisonment of the journalists. The association argued that the gag order prevents reporters from carrying out their work and restricts the public’s right to receive information.
The organization also expressed concern that the restrictions could set a troubling precedent for media freedom in the Maldives, where debates over press rights and judicial authority have increasingly come under public scrutiny.
Growing Debate Over Press Freedom
The case has become one of the most closely watched media-related legal disputes in the Maldives in recent months.
Supporters of the gag order maintain that court-imposed restrictions are necessary to protect individuals involved in sensitive legal proceedings. However, media advocates say the broad wording of the order risks silencing legitimate reporting and public discussion.
As the legal battle continues, the case is likely to remain at the center of wider conversations about transparency, freedom of the press, and the limits of court authority in the Maldives.
