“Mihaaru” journalist summoned for questioning over slander

Police have taken the statement of “Mihaaru” journalist, Fazeena Ahmed after summoning her in for questioning over a complaint of slander.

The police complaint was filed by former Vice President of Local Government Authority (LGA), Shujau Hussain over the article which’s title translates to read “He’s not a member of MDP, agenda is to destroy the party: Shifaz”; an article Fazeena wrote based on an interview with

Deputy Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Shifaz.

This is the first such case to be under investigation by police after Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act took effect.

Fazeena reported that she went to police headquarters with her lawyer and provided a two-page statement on Monday morning.

Fazeena said that she wasn’t told she was a suspect, and that the investigating officer had just said that she was summoned to clarify information regarding a case under investigation.

When questioned, police media official reported that Fazeena was summoned to clarify some information regarding an ongoing investigation, and refused to provide any further information.

Shujau, who filed the case, said that Fazeena had wrote an article quoting Shifaz that he was a member of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA). He said the article was defamatory.

Shujau said that he had provided his statement to the police, and had requested a full investigation into the case, and criminal prosecution of suspects.

“Whether its Mohamed Shifaz or Fazeena Ahmed, I have requested that criminal charges be pressed against everyone necessary,” said Shujau.

Shujau said that he had not been contacted for a comment regarding Shifaz’s claims, and that the article also did not include a comment from Elections Commission.

“Sun” has not yet been able to contact Deputy Leader of MDP, Shifaz for a comment.