Criminal Court rules to barring access for Raajje TV news team into court chambers to witness the currently ongoing trials of former President Mohamed Nasheed and Colonel (retired) Mohamed Nazim over terrorism charges by government.
According to a Criminal Court، “Raajje.mv” reports the reason for prohibiting Raajje TV from accessing court chambers is under the pretext، that Raajje TV journalists operate in a manner that compromises the safety of Judges present at court.
This decision was approved after a motion was passed during today’s meeting among court judges.
Raajje TV is being denied access into court chambers، post the channel reporting a “secret” meeting held a prominent restaurant between Chief of Judges’ Bench، Abdul-Baaree Yoosuf and Prosecutor General Muhuthaz Muhsin over the ongoing case of prosecution of terrorism charges against Mohamed Nasheed.
Muhsin، who spoke regarding the matter has claimed he will resign from designation if his alleged meeting Abdul-Baaree is proved.
Speaking to media، Muhsin explained that he visited Cafe’ Layaalee with two of his family members، during the time Judge Abdul-Baaree Yoosuf was present at the venue by an unexpected coincidence and they had not sat down in the same table.
He also explained that right after Raajje TV journalists received the news of Baaree present at the cafe’، they had accessed the venue and proceeded to take videos of Judge Abdul-Baaree، however their attempts were cut short when the Cafe’s owner had grabbed hold of the video-camera they were using.
Raajje TV disclosed regarding the matter، stating the journalists were intervened by a group inside the Cafe’ and they had attempted to delete the video as well، during this time Judge Baaree had constantly said to grab hold of the camera from the journalists.
Both cameraman and the reporter were apprehended last night during the commotion when they had attempted to shoot the video of Criminal Court Judge Abdul-Baaree and Prosecutor General Muhuthaz Muhsin، however they were released afterwards.
Raajje TV journalists were taken under police custody around 00:15hrs last night، after they had received complaints of individuals attempting to shoot video inside a premises. Both individuals were let go around dawn، after taking their statements.