The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) has requested police protection for broadcasting stations, media equipment and journalists following recent attacks during political protests on capital Male’.
MBC has discussed the issue directly with police officials and has submitted an official letter detailing the request, reports local media.
MBC President Badhuruh Naseer condemned the threats and attacks made on media personnel last weekend, citing the rights of journalists as guaranteed under Article 28 of the Constitution in defense.
Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) staff and property were also attacked during the protests.
A press release from the President’s Office today declared the government’s commitment to a free media “absolute and unwavering”.
Last week, Maldives media authorities raised alarms when the Minister of Transport and Communication Adhil Saleem claimed that broadcasting licences of media stations “misleading the public” would be revoked.
Adhil later said he only meant to advise the media on the matter, not to issue a threat.
Rejecting accusations that the “advice” was a threat, President’s Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair noted that Saleem merely pointed out that certain TV news channels had acted unprofessionally when airing footage of recent protests.
“President Nasheed’s administration never has and never will do anything to undermine the independence, integrity or professionalism of the media,” he said.
(0)Dislikes
(0)