183 Maldives journalists sign petition for press freedom
Some 183 Maldivian journalists have signed a historic petition urging the authorities to tackle threats to press freedom, including the withdrawal of a bill criminalising defamation and ending impunity for crimes committed against reporters.
10 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Some 183 Maldivian journalists have signed a historic petition urging the authorities to tackle threats to press freedom, including the withdrawal of a bill criminalising defamation and ending impunity for crimes committed against the press.
The petition – submitted to the President’s Office, the People’s Majlis and the Supreme Court today – comes in the wake of the arrest of some 18 journalists from a protest last week.
It received support from newspapers across the political spectrum, including pro-government websites and opposition aligned outlets.
Journalists from Haveeru, Raajje TV, The Maldives Independent, Sun Online, Villa TV, Sangu TV, CNM, Dhuvas, Vaanuvaa, Vaguthu, Avas and Dhi TV signed the petition. Journalists at the state broadcaster Public Service Media were ordered not to sign the document, according to reporters there.
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