Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his readiness to defy a Criminal Court order that restricts the distribution and discussion of a controversial documentary concerning President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The court order, issued on Sunday night, prohibits any party from circulating the documentary produced by ‘Adhadhu’ news or discussing its contents, whether directly or indirectly. The order also mandates that the legal proceedings related to the documentary be held in camera, citing the need to uphold social morality, and bars the disclosure of information regarding the parties or alleged victims involved in the case.

Taking to the social media platform X, Nasheed characterized public defiance of the court order as a necessary act of protest in defense of press freedom. “I am prepared to defy the court order,” Nasheed stated, challenging the judiciary’s attempt to suppress the media’s work.

The Criminal Court has warned that any breach of the restrictions outlined in the order will be treated as contempt of court. Despite these legal warnings, Nasheed’s stance signals a direct confrontation between the former leader and the current administration’s judicial measures.