Three presidents’ first demand: Release the journalists and end legal proceedings

Former Maldivian Presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Mohamed Nasheed, and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have jointly called upon the government to immediately release two journalists from 'Adhadhu' news and to cease the ongoing legal proceedings against them.

This appeal was made during a joint press conference following deliberations on the current state of the nation. This demand represents the first official action taken by the three leaders as part of their collaborative effort to address national concerns.

Addressing the media, Yameen asserted that the current administration is imposing significant barriers to press freedom. He highlighted the implementation of a 'gag order,' noting that two journalists are already imprisoned under this directive, while two others are currently facing prosecution. Yameen further stated that, as leaders who have shaped the political landscape for the past 20 years, they have a solemn duty to protect the national interest.

"Our collective conscience tells us that as the nation’s stress level escalates to this degree, we have a responsibility [to act]," he remarked.

Solih explained that the three leaders felt compelled to unite because they believe proactive measures are essential to rescue the country from its current predicament. He noted that the state of the nation is deteriorating more rapidly than expected, making it a civic duty for every citizen to work towards its recovery.

Solih emphasized that the most urgent priority is to eliminate the obstacles hindering freedom of expression to ensure the government remains accountable. To this end, he demanded the immediate release of the two detained 'Adhadhu' journalists and to immediately cease the trials against their colleagues.

The decision by the three former presidents to align and work together follows their shared concerns that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is encroaching upon fundamental rights and exerting undue influence over the judiciary and the parliament. The primary aim of this alliance is to restore the independence of state institutions and uphold democratic principles that they believe are being undermined. They also pointed out that the government has failed to rectify internal malpractices and administrative shortcomings.