Shajaan Muaz Shaheem

Cultivating wisdom like a coconut carried by endless currents, I bend, I whirl, yet my roots hold steadfast.

[Oceana @oceana]

Our oceans cover more than 70% of the planet, yet only about 10% of them are currently protected. When we protect our seas, they thrive — and so does our planet.

Urge world leaders to deliver on their commitment to protect 30% of ocean habitat by 2030 today 👉 https://t.co/kw7BfVtXwt

[🌴 🦈 🎈 @husendidi]

Just 2 weeks ago these corals were vibrant a colourful, now turning ghostly white from thermal stress. #Coralbleaching is happening right now in the Maldives and around the world. This intense marine #heatwave2026 is pushing sea temperatures beyond normal limits.
17th May 2026

[Visham @vichalhey]

I hv nothing but gratitude for the dearly departed in the line of duty. he should remain a hero of this nation.

So much talk, too many narratives, too much speculation filling the gaps we do not yet understand.

The military does what we task them with .. calculated, measured, disciplined. they knew the risk. they know cost. they are human, yes. but they are also this nation's instrument of duty, bound by obligation we cannot fathom from the outside.

We owe them trust now, not judgment.

We owe them respect in this moment of grief.

Their task is to recover, to honor our nation.

Ours is to let them do it without the weight of our blame. that is the compassion we must show. that is the nation we can choose to be.

[Maldives Journalists Association @mjamaldives]

Journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir have spent 4 days in prison. All they did was their responsibility as journalists: question authorities and report news. 1/2

[Mohamed Seeneen @mohamedseeneen]

https://t.co/wMT2DPeg2L

[Adhadhu @AdhadhuMV]

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed that the body of one of the five missing divers was discovered inside the cave at a depth of approximately 60 meters. It is believed that the bodies of the remaining four divers are also within the cave.

Speaking on a Public Service Media (PSM) program, Brigadier General Saleem explained that military divers are presently qualified for depths up to 50 meters. However, he noted that training to extend this capability to 100 meters is scheduled to begin this year.

The MNDF previously reported that the cave where the five Italian divers descended is situated 60 meters below sea level and extends approximately 200 feet in length.

“The remaining four divers are presumed to be inside this cave, which is about 200 feet long. As this is an extremely dangerous, high-risk operation, additional Coast Guard divers and specialized equipment have been deployed to the area,” the MNDF stated.

[BBC News (UK) @BBCNews]

Rescue diver dies during search for bodies of Italians who drowned in Maldives caves https://t.co/so5u9EIPdb

[Shajaan Muaz Shaheem @ShajaanMuaz]

ِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee’s service reflects courage & commitment in the most demanding conditions.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of safety, preparation, & respect for operational limits in high-risk situations.

[Sky News @SkyNews]

BREAKING: Rescue diver dies in Maldives while searching for bodies of Italians who had been exploring underwater caves

https://t.co/4DSbMPWABx

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233, and YouTube

[Maldives Journalists Association @mjamaldives]

.@MohamedShahzan asked a question. @MrLeevaaan reported news.

And then, they were handed prison sentences. It has been 48 hours since.

We demand their immediate and unconditional release!

#FreeAdhadhuJournalists
#JournalismIsNotACrime

[IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media @globalfreemedia]

@AdhadhuMV In a letter, IPI joined six press freedom and human rights organisations in calling on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to reverse retaliatory legal action against @AdhadhuMV and reaffirm the Maldives’ commitment to press freedom and media independence.
https://t.co/9tmJgX3HLO

[IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media @globalfreemedia]

🇲🇻 #Maldives: IPI condemns the jailing of two @AdhadhuMV journalists in apparent retaliation for their critical reporting.

They must be released immediately with all charges dropped.
https://t.co/S3QC8Exrrb

[Maldives Journalists Association @mjamaldives]

According to MJA monitors who covered the press as part of our Media Rights Monitoring program, police officers deliberately targeted journalists, photographers and videographers on order to hinder the coverage of the protest.

[Shajaan Muaz Shaheem @ShajaanMuaz]

Freedom of expression under Article 28 is a constitutional guarantee, not a dispensable privilege. This gag order contravenes ICCPR Article 19. When jurisprudence immunizes authority from scrutiny and accountability, the republic deteriorates. #FreeAdhadhuJournalists

[Maldives Journalists Association @mjamaldives]

For the first time in the Maldives' democratic history journalists have been sentenced to jail.

They should be immediately and unconditionally released.

Our statement below:

[CPJ Asia @CPJAsia]

#Maldives: Authorities must immediately release journalists Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir and end judicial harassment of their news outlet, Adhadhu, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday.

According to a report by Adhadhu and a post on X by the Maldives Journalists Association, a court in the capital Malé sentenced Shahzan, a reporter with Adhadhu, to 15 days in jail after he was removed from a May 11 press conference for questioning President Mohamed Muizzu about allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power raised in the outlet’s documentary, “Aisha.” Authorities later barred Adhadhu from briefings, citing a criminal court gag order on discussing the film.

In a separate case, Nasir, a journalist with the same publication, received a 10-day sentence over a report on the same gag order, which the court deemed a violation, Adhadhu reported.

More: https://t.co/pPjqrjgfF8

#PressFreedom #JournalismIsNotACrime

[Nizam Ibrahim🇲🇻 @nixams8]

Early signs of coral bleaching are now being observed in the Maldives — and both field observations and satellite data are pointing in the same direction.

In Huvadhu Atoll, we are recording night-time temperatures of up to 31°C at ~10 m depth on coral spawning reefs. Under normal conditions, these reefs are around ~29°C. The difference is not just measurable — it is physically noticeable during dives.

At the same time, corals around Rathafandhoo are already showing visible whitening along colony edges, an early indicator of thermal stress. These reefs are not only facing elevated temperatures, but also the cumulative effects of sedimentation from ongoing harbour dredging, which further reduces their resilience.

The attached figure (based on NOAA Coral Reef Watch data) shows that the Maldives has already crossed the local bleaching threshold and reached Bleaching Alert Level 1 by mid-April 2026. While cumulative heat stress is still building compared to major bleaching years like 1998 and 2016, the current trajectory is concerning.

Bleaching is not triggered by peak temperatures alone — but by how long reefs remain under elevated thermal stress. If these conditions persist into the coming weeks, we could see a rapid escalation from early stress signals to widespread bleaching.

Reefs already under local pressure will be the first to tip.

We will continue monitoring both spawning reefs and bleaching progression closely over the coming weeks.

#CoralBleaching #Maldives #CoralReefs #ClimateChange

@CoralReefWatch @MMRI_Maldives @ERA_Maldives @MoEnvmv @ICRI_Coral_Reef @UNEP @Shammaan @Turqoiselabmv @Turqoiselabmv @AyaNaseem @ecosm_mv @SavetheBeachVM

[إكرام🌱 @aikey]

Join us at #SaveFunavaa community art event at 10 April 2026

[UN Environment Programme @UNEP]

The ocean gives us food, oxygen, livelihoods, and it regulates the climate.

But it’s under threat from overfishing, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss.

When our ocean is in crisis, so are we.

Protecting it means protecting life itself.

Learn more: https://t.co/c05ekFuLe5

#SaveOurOcean

[Oceana @oceana]

🌊 #EarthMonth reminder: Our planet is blue.

Oceana is leading the fight to rebuild abundant and biodiverse oceans through science, policy, and people like you. Right now, your voice matters more than ever.

Join us to protect our blue planet at https://t.co/5KrHwutcKE

[Shajaan Muaz Shaheem @ShajaanMuaz]

Ballots has revealed democracy’s quiet strength, people’s resolute “No”, offered not in public fervour but in solitary conscience, chose to preserve the republic’s proven rhythms, the decision dismantled the folly of authoritarian overreach with measured restraint.

[UN Environment Programme @UNEP]

Young people play an important role in creating a healthier, more sustainable planet.

UNEP engages youth through different programs, giving them the tools and support to make a difference for the environment.

Learn more at: https://t.co/jFw2PudNbp