Falah says he is willing to swear by the Qur’an that claims in the documentary are untrue

Leader of the ruling PNC parliamentary group and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has said that the documentary ‘Aisha’ published by online newspaper Adhadhu is a lie, and that he is willing to swear by the noble Qur’an on it.

When asked by a journalist why the PNC had not commented on the documentary, Falah said the documentary released by Adhadhu contained untrue, evil and false stories regarding the President.

“…If we can be so sure of a person other than our own selves, then it is our Honorable President, and I trust him more than myself. I dare to swear 100 percent, I dare to touch the Qur’an and say that what is being said about our Honorable President is a lie — a 100 percent lie,” Falah said with emotion.

Falah said freedom of the press exists within the laws and regulations that have been made, and within certain limits. He said he believes the police entered the office of the media company, searched the premises and took away electronic equipment in accordance with those laws and regulations.

He said the President loves Islam and respects it, and therefore has not committed any of the acts alleged in the documentary.

PNC Vice President and Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the media company has openly said it is an anti‑government newspaper, and that the outlet is engaging in political work today.

“These are political accusations against the President. The President will not hide. We will not hide. This government is the government that works closest with journalists, okay,” he said.

Referring to the police summons of Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed, Shiyam said the editors do not want to disclose the sources of the documentary. Looking at these factors, he said, it is clear the documentary was prepared for political purposes.

Speaking at the press conference, Falah described the President as “very clean, loving, caring and compassionate towards the people.”

“Now the Adhadhu newspaper should give up on journalism, and in fact it has to register as a political party,” Falah said.

It is worth mentioning that Fiyaz and Hassan have been produced before the Henveiru Police Station for the criminal investigation into the documentary ‘Aisha’.

Hassan’s lawyer Sayyah Khaleel said Hassan had denied the charges and exercised his right to remain silent.

Hassan faces at least five criminal allegations. They are:  

• Vicarious liability and complicity under Section 30 of the Penal Code  

• Vicarious liability and complicity under Section 30(a)(ii) of the Penal Code  

• False accusation of adultery (qazf) under Section 612 of the Penal Code  

• Solicitation to commit an offense under Section 81 of the Penal Code  

• Conspiracy to commit an offense under Section 82 of the Penal Code

In addition to Hassan and Fiyaz, the passport of Aishath Easha Ashraf, who previously held political positions in the government, was detained for three months in connection with the documentary.

The journalists’ association MJA has expressed dissatisfaction with the police raid on the office of the newspaper. Some journalists also staged a peaceful protest in front of the office.

The police raid on the media company’s office has sparked concerns about freedom of the press.