A journalist was asked to leave a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday after raising a question related to a documentary that is currently subject to a court order restricting its publication and discussion.
The journalist, Mohamed Shahzan, who also serves as Vice President of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), posed a question concerning a documentary produced by Adhadhu during the briefing.
However, the Criminal Court had issued an order a day earlier prohibiting the circulation of the documentary and any direct or indirect discussion of its contents.
Following the question, President Mohamed Muizzu requested that Shahzan leave the press hall. The President also dismissed the allegations referenced in the documentary, describing them as false.
According to the court order, the matter falls under proceedings that may be held in camera under Article 42(c)(1) of the Constitution, with restrictions imposed to protect public morals. The court further directed that documents and information related to the case must not be disclosed, warning that any violation could constitute contempt of court.
The order also stated that the measures were introduced to safeguard reputations, protect the rights of those involved, and ensure the interests of the alleged victim are preserved. It emphasized that individuals cannot be deemed guilty unless proven so in a court of law beyond reasonable doubt.
The incident highlights the legal limitations currently in place regarding the case, as well as the boundaries governing public discussion while proceedings remain ongoing.
