Easha decides to disclose full details in probe into ‘Aisha’ documentary

Aishath Easha Ashraf, who previously held senior posts in the President’s Office and several ministries, says she intends to disclose all details related to the documentary published by online newspaper Adhadhu.

Easha was brought in for questioning on Tuesday night. She arrived at the Phase I Hulhumale' Police Station at 21:00.

According to the police summons, she is accused of participating in the making of a documentary allegedly targeting President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

After the interrogation, former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, appointed as Easha’s lawyer, told the media that she has decided to give a full statement to investigators. He said the legal team would brief the media after the statement is formally given.

“After giving the statement to the investigation, we will explain in detail,” Shameem said.

“These things are very common in the workplace. We want things like this to stop. These things should never happen,” he said, adding that Easha is a victim in the case. Shameem said the team would later share how she became a victim.

Shameem also said police informed them they had received sufficient information to proceed with the investigation. “I believe the police would not say such a thing without clarifying it,” he said.

Lawyer Mohamed Fareed, who is also part of the defence team, said police told them they have evidence identifying the woman in the ‘Aisha’ documentary as Easha.

Police are treating the case as a serious criminal investigation. Easha’s passport has been seized for three months under a Criminal Court order, which states that police received intelligence suggesting she was preparing to flee the Maldives.

Police have also launched a major probe into the documentary itself. Under a court order, officers raided the Adhadhu newsroom, searched the premises and seized a large quantity of electronic devices and journalism equipment for forensic analysis. It is the first time in recent history that police have raided a Maldivian media office.

Action has also been taken against the newspaper’s leadership. The passports of CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed have been withheld until July 27. Both were summoned for questioning but exercised their right to remain silent. Police said their passports were seized based on intelligence that they, too, might attempt to leave the country.

Journalists’ associations have expressed concern, saying the developments undermine press freedom.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has publicly denied all allegations in the documentary. He said he would request authorities to take legal action against everyone involved in its production.