www.mja.org.mv

PRESS RELEASE

Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) strongly condemns the threatening statements made by Adil Saleem, minister of transport and communication today.

Addressing the press at the ministry, he said private broadcasting media frequency shall be suspended, if Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) fails to take legal action against the broadcasters accusing that those media spreading false information.

We also condemn repeatedly the warnings given to media by defense minister Tholhath Ibrahim, home minister Hassan Afeef and press secretary Mohamed Zuhair.

We call on communication minister to speak based on facts, within the legal boundaries, instead of speaking nonsense. As MBC is the legal entity authorized to regulate broadcasting media and issue license, communication minister’s warning in an indication which proves he intends to destroy independent media.

Articles 19 (a) to (e) of MBC act stipulates MBC has the sole authority to issue and renew broadcasting license, suspend license temporarily, summon and interrogate people, take action when necessary, and to draft the code of conduct. So, we do not recognise the threatening statement made by communication minister, and we call on MBC to carryout legal action against his remarks.

We have also noticed that the government and individuals affiliated with the government have spoken against different media organisations, and called public to threaten these organisations by assembling outside in protest.

As the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and the editorial policy of news organisations are within the boundaries of disciplinary code of MBC and Maldives Media Council (MMC), we call all parties not to intervene and influence media. If a media organisation fails to adhere the disciplinary code, the legal bodies entitle to carry action are MMC or MBC. This is also the procedure followed in civilized societies.

As Maldives has the opportunity to follow the footsteps of civilized societies, we call on politicians not to threaten media at different podiums, TV programmes and press conferences for a political gain.

Media or news organisations are vessels responsible to give information to the public, so those who use as vessels should understand the importance of feeding authentic and reliable information to the public.

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