Former PG Hussain Shameem appointed as lawyer for Easha in documentary‑related investigation

Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has been appointed as the lawyer of Easha Ashraf, whose passport has been withheld in connection with a documentary containing allegations related to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The case is a criminal investigation by the Maldives Police Service. Easha previously worked in the President’s Office and several ministries. Her passport was seized under a court order for three months.

Shameem has been entrusted with legal assistance on behalf of Easha in the case, which has drawn significant attention in political and media circles.

Police are investigating the documentary as a very serious case. They have not yet released details of the allegations against Easha. However, Shameem confirmed that he would represent her following the seizure of her passport.

Shameem told Sun that the primary responsibility of defence lawyers is to ensure a fair investigation for their clients.

Shameem has extensive experience in criminal cases and has served as the state’s chief prosecutor.

Police raided the office of the newspaper under a court order on Monday evening and seized a large quantity of electronic and journalistic equipment. This is the first time in recent history that police have raided the office of a Maldivian media outlet.

In addition, the passports of two senior officials of Adhadhu, CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, have also been seized for three months under a court order. The removal of equipment from the newsroom has caused major difficulties to the outlet’s operations.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has expressed concern over the police raid. Some journalists also staged a peaceful protest outside the office, and many have raised concerns about press freedom.

Advocates for media freedom have questioned the police intervention in a case that could be reviewed by the Maldives Media Council.