VTV fined US$26k for speech defaming president
The broadcasting regulator has slapped Villa Television and sister station VFM with a fine of MVR400,000 (US$26,000) over a speech by an opposition lawmaker in December last year.
01 Mar 2018, 9:00 AM
The broadcasting regulator has slapped Villa Television and sister station VFM with a fine of MVR400,000 (US$26,000) over a speech by an opposition lawmaker in December last year.
Following a defamation inquiry, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission found that MP Mohamed Musthafa used vulgar language to defame President Abdulla Yameen during a live event.
Both VTV and VFM – owned by the Island Broadcasting Company affiliated with exiled Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim – denied breaching the broadcasting code of conduct, MBC noted in its investigation report that was made public Thursday.
However, the commission decided to impose a fine of MVR200,000 (US$12,900) each and ordered the TV and radio stations to air an apology statement during primetime before March 12.
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