The High Court will commence hearings on Tuesday regarding the appeal submitted by Adhadhu journalists Leevan Ali Naseer and Mohamed Shahzan, who were imprisoned earlier this month for purportedly breaching a gag order from the Criminal Court.

The gag order was enacted following a broad injunction from the Criminal Court in May that prohibited the sharing and discussion of Adhadhu’s documentary 'Aisha', which included claims of an extramarital relationship between President Mohamed Muizzu and a former employee of the President’s Office.

The directive, aimed at Adhadhu leaders and the Prosecutor General's Office yet presented as obligatory for the public, has faced backlash for lacking a legal foundation according to the Criminal Procedure Act.

On Tuesday, Justices Hussain Mazeed, Deebanaz Fahumy, and Ibrahim Mahir will hear the High Court appeal. The High Court initially dismissed an appeal from the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) but later accepted an appeal submitted directly by Adhadhu CEO Fiyaz Moosa. Deebanaz and Mahir occupied the bench that examined the rejection of the MJA petition concerning the gag order, where the two judges held contrasting views.

Security officers approach Adhadhu reporter Mohamed Shahzan on May 11, 2026. (Sun Image)

Leevan and Shahzan appeared before the Criminal Court in May and were sentenced in a private hearing. Adhadhu's CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa informed Sun that the reporters were detained and incarcerated without a chance to defend their positions.

Both reporters have finished their sentences now.