The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has decided to conduct an investigation into the treatment of journalists imprisoned for being found in violation of a gag order issued by the Criminal Court, as well as the individuals arrested during the protests calling for their release.

Last Tuesday, the Criminal Court sentenced Leevan Ali Nasir of "Adhadhu" newspaper to 10 days in prison, ruling that he had violated the gag order issued by the court. Furthermore, Mohamed Shahzaan of the same newspaper was also sentenced to 15 days in prison on that day.

Anti-government factions have been holding a series of protests calling for the release of these journalists. Several individuals have been arrested during these protests. Among them is the prominent social media activist, Shammoon Jaleel (Lucas).

HRCM stated last night that the commission had met with the two jailed "Adhadhu" journalists, as well as the individuals detained from the protests calling for their release, to check on their condition.

HRCM noted that, based on the concerns raised by the detainees during the commission's visits, it has decided to investigate the matters that warrant a formal inquiry.

Initially, Shahzaan and Leevan were kept in the same cell in prison, located in Unit 12 of Maafushi Prison. However, his lawyer has stated that Leevan has now been moved to a cell in Unit 10. The Maldives Correctional Service has not disclosed the reason for his transfer to a different cell.

The Criminal Court issued a gag order prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion of a documentary by the "Adhadhu" newspaper during the trial for Qazaf (false accusation) charges raised against the newspaper's CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Managing Editor, Hassan Mohamed. The order was issued following a request by the State.