Former Presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are set to meet today (Friday) in a rare cross-party initiative to discuss the growing restrictions on press freedom in the Maldives.
The People’s National Front (PNF) announced the meeting, which comes amid widespread concern following the imprisonment of two journalists from the online news outlet Adhadhu. Mohamed Shahzan was sentenced to 15 days in prison, while Leevan Ali Naseer received a 10-day sentence. Both were sent to Maafushi Prison on May 12 after being found in contempt of court. As of today, they have spent more than 60 hours behind bars.
The development follows public statements by former President Yameen, who expressed readiness to work with Nasheed and Solih to restore press freedom. His comments came in response to a call by former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail urging the three leaders to set aside past political differences and jointly address the current situation.
The jailing of the Adhadhu journalists has sparked strong reactions both locally and internationally. Many view the case as a significant escalation, marking the first time journalists have been imprisoned in the country’s democratic era for their professional work.
Shahzan was sentenced over a question he posed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference, while Leevan faced punishment related to reporting on a court order. Details about today’s meeting remain limited, but it is expected to focus on recent pressures on the media and broader issues surrounding freedom of expression. The gathering is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the ongoing debate over democratic space and media rights in the Maldives.
This rare alignment among the three former leaders highlights the depth of concern across the political spectrum regarding the current state of press freedom.
