Leevan and Shahzan’s contempt sentences taken up by High Court

The High Court has accepted the appeal filed by two Adhadhu journalists, Leevan Ali Naseer and Mohamed Shahzan, who were jailed for contempt of court.

Both journalists submitted separate appeals challenging their sentences. Leevan has since been released after completing his 10‑day jail term, while Shahzan remains in custody serving his 15‑day sentence. The High Court has now formally accepted both cases.

The pair were jailed for allegedly violating a Criminal Court order issued in connection with the charges against the heads of Adhadhu. They were produced before the Criminal Court and sentenced in a closed‑door hearing.

Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa told Sun that the journalists were arrested and sentenced without being given an opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.

International organisations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have expressed concern over the imprisonment and called for the journalists’ immediate release.

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has also launched an investigation into the case.