‘Diamond Pens’: Journalism awards draw criticism

The media council was criticised for the recognition of the broadcasting regulator’s chief and the omission of ex-president Nasheed.

Maldives editors no longer required to be graduates

The 2014 census said that just 483 resident Maldivians had a degree.

Regulator wants ‘broadest possible’ journalism under new rules

The media regulator wants journalists to practice their profession “as broadly as possible” within new legal restrictions.

Media council backtracks on defamation complaints

The print and online media regulator had asked journalists from Raajje TV, VFP and Mihaaru to submit their defence to defamation complaints filed by the former chief communication officer at the president’s office.

President’s office denies filing defamation complaints

Despite the denial, the Maldives Media Council has asked six Raajje TV journalists and VFP’s editor to respond to several complaints filed by the president’s office about articles deemed defamatory towards First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim.

Media council elects new leadership amid press freedom concerns

Concerns have been raised about the independence and the lack of professional experience of the new members elected to the print and online media regulator at a time when press freedom is under threat.

Journalist summoned in first criminal inquiry into defamation complaint

A journalist with Mihaaru was questioned over an article in which an opposition official branded three ex MDP members who had called for reforms to the party outsiders.

Defamation penalties for the press detailed in new regulation

The government has published a regulation detailing fine bands for media offices and journalists found guilty of flouting a controversial defamation law

Elder statesman rails against authoritarian reversals

Ahmed ‘Seena’ Zahir, a former lawmaker and minister, has blasted authoritarian reversals under President Abdulla Yameen, criticising judicial corruption and tyranny, the ruling party’s crackdown on oversight bodies and press freedom.

State broadcaster refused to telecast press freedom day ceremony

The state broadcaster refused to show a live telecast of last week’s press freedom day official ceremony despite assurances to the Maldives Media Council.

AdduLive was blocked because it was not registered, says home ministry

Home Minister Umar Naseer ordered the telecoms regulator to block access to regional news website, AdduLive, because it was unregistered, a spokeswoman has said. Critics have condemned the move as an attack on free speech, noting it has implications for bloggers and other content posted online.

Concerns mount over Maldives press freedom after mass arrests

US Ambassador to the Maldives Atul Keshap met this morning with some of the 18 journalists arrested Sunday from a sit-in protest outside the president’s office amidst mounting concern over declining press freedom in the Maldives. The reporters were released after ten hours.

Maldives journalism awards celebrates free press

Broadcasting Commission cannot regulate way in which Supreme Court is addressed

MMC presidency vacant once more

Abdulla Muaz appointed president of media council

Corruption case against former media council members continues

Media Council slams Defense Ministry over threats to media

Military deploys soldiers to protect Maldives media after arson attack

MMC postpones appointing president after internal election stalemate