“He seems to have an autistic way about him, in the way he operates,” former colonel Ahmed Fayaz, known as Papa, said during an appearance on the KaalaaBaisaa programme on Saturday night, to which the former Nolhivaram MP Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla added, "Not just autism, down syndrome as well," drawing laughter from the host and Fayaz. 

Raajje TV came under fire as clips circulated on social media and drew widespread criticism over political exploitation or jokes at the expense of children with developmental conditions. The comments were described as insulting and hurtful to autistic children and their parents.  

Following the outcry and media coverage on Tuesday, the Broadcasting Commission announced a probe to determine whether the content violated broadcasting standards and codes of conduct. 

Later on Tuesday night, the Human Rights Commission condemned the talk show guests for “demeaning persons with disabilities and speaking in a manner that mocked them as inferior,” calling for an investigation by the regulatory bodies. 

“Every person has the right to live with dignity and honor. Therefore, we urge against such actions and implore all media outlets to be mindful of presenting visuals, audio, and information in a manner that does not undermine the human rights and dignity of any individual in society,” the human rights watchdog advised.

In a brief statement on Tuesday night, the station apologised "if any person believed that the remarks made during the programme aired live by Raajje TV was demeaning to children with autism."

The private broadcaster is aligned with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party. Raajje TV's owners include former MDP MP Ahmed Saleem and former state minister Akram Kamaludeen.

Papa Fayaz is a senior member of the opposition People’s National Front party formed by former president Abdulla Yameen.