Age-limits, clemency and tuna: excerpts from Yameen’s May 3 speech

“I also want to say, today is World Press Freedom Day. I extend my sincere greetings to all journalists. Additionally, I want to say, believe me, this government is with journalists. On World Press Freedom Day, I say with greetings, believe me, journalists must alert the Maldivian government on government affairs and on improving on matters of public interest. Journalists must accept that press freedom actually has its boundaries. Press freedom is the act of reporting responsibly. It is not detailing to the people, the disputes between neighbours, or stories that undermine and defame individuals. Journalism will become a platform to speak out about wrongdoings by the authorities, those who govern the people. Journalists must accept that they are first human brings. Maldivian journalists are second Maldivians. And thirdly, just as they want dignity, they must be people who protect other’s dignity.

“Therefore, journalism must be responsible. As World Press Freedom Day is marked around the globe, I greet journalists and I say, this government has not violated press freedom. What has only happened with journalism is defamation, the publishing of stories that do not solicit the views of the accused, without the opportunity for the accused to defend themselves, without looking into what had happened. Published on newspapers and online websites. It is unacceptable, in my opinion, to broadcast such stories on radios and TVs, in a small community such as the Maldives, comprising of a citizenry that follows Islam. If I defer to Islamic principles – I only know what the scholars say – it is a grave sin.