Easha, who has agreed to cooperate, summoned to Police this evening

Aishath Easha Ashraf, a former employee of the President’s Office, has been summoned once again by the police this afternoon in connection with the “Aisha” documentary published by the online news outlet ‘Adhadhu’, which raises serious allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Eesha, who was also interrogated last night, has been summoned by the Police for 16:00pm this evening, marking the second time she has been summoned for questioning in connection with the case.

While last night’s interrogation took place Hulhumalé Police Station, today’s summons requires her to appear at the Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building near Henveiru Stadium in Malé.

According to the summons issued for last night, Easha is being investigated over alleged involvement in the production of the documentary, which authorities claim contains Gazf or false allegations of adultery against President Muizzu.

Easha’s legal representatives spoke to the media following last night’s interrogation. Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem, who is serving as her lead counsel, stated that she is a “victim” in the matter and intends to fully cooperate with the investigation.

He further stated that she would provide a comprehensive account of events and assist the investigative process. He also noted that, while such situations can occur in professional settings, they are nonetheless unacceptable, and emphasized that the primary role of the defense team is to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

Another member of the legal team, Mohamed Fareed, stated that police have claimed to possess evidence linking Eesha to the documentary; however, the specific nature of this evidence was not disclosed.

The legal team further indicated that additional details regarding Easha’s involvement and her position in the case would be shared with the media following her statement to the Police.

Easha previously served at the President’s Office and in two other ministries before her dismissal as a political appointee.

Easha, along with Adhadhu’s CEO and chief editor Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and managing editor Hassan Mohamed have all been placed under travel ban orders as police investigate the case, citing intelligence reports suggesting they were attempting to flee the country.

Fiyaz and Hassan were questioned by the Police earlier but chose to protect their source and exercise their right to remain silent.

The Police conducted an unprecedented raid on the office of the news outlet on April 27, during which they seized multiple electronic devices, including laptops and storage devices.

The raid came hours after a journalist from ‘Adhadhu’ questioned President Muizzu regarding the allegations made in the documentary. He dismissed the allegations as “blatant lies”, and said he would ask relevant authorities to take action against all involved in making the documentary.

The crackdown on Adhadhu sparked condemnation from the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), which accused the government of crossing a clear red line, and demanded an immediate end to the intimidation of journalists and the suppression of press freedom.

The case has also raised concerns within the international community regarding the state of press freedom in the Maldives.