Journalist kicked out of President’s press briefing citing violation of gag order on documentary

A journalist from ‘Adhadhu’ was expelled from a press conference held by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, citing that his questions violated a gag order issued by the Criminal Court banning the circulation of the local news outlet’s documentary ‘Aisha’, or any discussion of its contents.

The unprecedented gag order, which explicitly prohibits any party from directly or indirectly discussing the contents of the video, was issued by the Criminal Court on Sunday night.

At his weekly press briefing on Monday morning, President Muizzu said the gag order was applicable to all Maldivian citizens.

“This is not something the government is doing. The judiciary will do what it must,” he said.

President Muizzu also said that Maldives allowed its citizens the greatest freedom of expression out of any country in the world.

He said that while Maldives was a country where people enjoyed freedom of expression “to its fullest”, citizens must still abide by the limits set in the Constitution, as well as Islamic principles.

Mohamed Shahzan, a journalist from ‘Adhadhu’, questioned President Muizzu regarding the documentary, regardless of these comments.

He responded by accusing Shahzan of violating the gag order.

“The court has issued a gag order. Shahzan, who have violated the court order. I therefore ask that you leave the premises. You are making a blatant lie and a completely false accusation against me,” responded President Muizzu.

However, Shahzan continued to press for an answer.

“You are making completely false allegations against me. This is something I will not accept. You cannot violate a court order inside this hall,” responded President Muizzu.

“The rule of law is upheld at the President’s Office.”

Security was seen rushing into the conference hall and escorting him out.

It marks the first time for a journalist to be kicked out of a President’s Office press conference over a question.