UN complaint filed over Maldives journalists' detention
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 16 May 2026 | JP Asia Desk
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A UN submission says the detention of Adhadhu Online journalists Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Naseer on contempt charges signals wider threats to press freedom and due process in the Maldives after a March documentary, a newsroom raid and a court gag order.Summary
MALÉ—The case of two Maldivian journalists imprisoned over contempt of court charges has been escalated to the United Nations human rights system, with a formal submission arguing that their detention reflects broader concerns over press freedom and due process in the country.
The complaint concerns Adhadhu Online journalists Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, who were sentenced to jail terms over actions linked to their reporting and subsequent court-related proceedings. According to the submission, both journalists were detained on contempt charges in a manner that rights advocates say undermines media independence and freedom of expression.
Case emerges from documentary reporting dispute
The dispute originated from a documentary published by Adhadhu Online on March 28, 2026. Following its release, authorities allegedly initiated legal and procedural actions that culminated in the detention of the two journalists.
Police later raided the Adhadhu newsroom on April 28, seizing electronic equipment, including laptops and storage devices. On May 10, a court also issued a gag order restricting discussion of the documentary and related proceedings.
Arrests follow questioning of the president
Journalist Mohamed Shahuzan was arrested after questioning the president during a press conference on May 11 about allegations raised in the documentary. He was subsequently sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined MVR 25,000 over the incident.
The second journalist, Leevan Ali Naseer, received a 10-day jail sentence over reporting related to the court order and its implications for the case.
Fair trial concerns raised in submission
The UN submission states that both journalists were given only two hours to appoint legal counsel, which it argues amounted to a denial of fair trial rights. It also alleges that judicial handling of the case raises concerns about political influence and compliance with international protections for freedom of expression under Article 19 frameworks.
Although appeals have been filed in the High Court, the submission calls for urgent international attention, arguing that domestic remedies have not provided adequate safeguards for press freedom or judicial independence.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The case highlights escalating legal pressure on journalists in smaller media markets where court actions, contempt rulings, and procedural restrictions can significantly limit reporting on state accountability. For media professionals, it underscores how rapidly documentary-based investigations can trigger legal retaliation, reinforcing the need for stronger legal preparedness and newsroom risk protocols.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available reports by Viraasee (May 16, 2026).
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.
Key Points
- Complaint submitted to the UN human rights system alleging threats to press freedom.
- Journalists named are Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, sentenced on contempt charges.
- The case followed an Adhadhu Online documentary published on March 28, 2026.
- Police raided the Adhadhu newsroom on April 28 and seized electronic equipment.
- A court gag order was issued on May 10 restricting discussion of the documentary and proceedings.
- Shahuzan was arrested after questioning the president and sentenced to 15 days and fined MVR 25,000; Naseer received a 10-day sentence.
Key Questions & Answers
What does the UN complaint allege?
The complaint argues that the detention of two Maldivian journalists on contempt charges undermines press freedom and raises due process concerns.
Who are the journalists involved?
The journalists are Mohamed Shahuzan and Leevan Ali Naseer, both associated with Adhadhu Online.
What triggered the legal actions?
The case followed a documentary published on March 28, 2026; authorities later took legal steps including a gag order and a newsroom raid.
What actions did authorities take and what were the sentences?
Police raided the newsroom on April 28 and seized equipment; a gag order was issued on May 10. Shahuzan was sentenced to 15 days and fined MVR 25,000 after an arrest on May 11; Naseer received a 10-day sentence.
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