Press Freedom
Maldives ‘rejects’ international criticism of defamation bill
The defamation bill “does not seek to criminalise free speech,” the government insists, claiming that it would “provide a layer of protection for those who may fall victim to scurrilous and defamatory articles and to ensure that such comment does not impact upon issues of religious sentiment or national security.”
02 Aug 2016, 9:00 AM
Defamation bill on Majlis agenda as free speech campaign gains momentum
A group of journalists launched a campaign last week to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the proposed law, warning that it would spell the end of a free press as well as freedom of expression in the Maldives.
31 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM
Police block journalists’ silent protest
Specialist Operations police officers blocked a protest march staged by journalists against a defamation bill currently before parliament. The journalists were told they would not be allowed to protest in the streets of Malé while carrying banners and placards.
28 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM
Press freedom concerns unaddressed in revised defamation bill
A revised bill on criminalising defamation and imposing severe restrictions on free speech was introduced to parliament last Tuesday without addressing concerns raised by Maldivian journalists.
24 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM
Critical news website closes citing unrelenting political pressure
CNM, a popular news website critical of the Maldives government, has been forced shut after it exposed the first lady’s misuse of state resources.
25 Jun 2016, 9:00 AM
Journalists will not be charged over president’s office protest
Ismail Ali, the police spokesman, said: “The cases have not been sent for prosecution, and all of the individuals who were arrested have been summoned to the police station and issued an official warning, advising them to comply with laws and regulations.”
09 May 2016, 9:00 AM
Judge questions charges against senior Raajje TV journalist
Fiyaz was accused of assaulting a police officer while reporting on the military’s attempts to defuse a bomb on November 2 last year, but he was charged with touching an individual without his consent – a class four misdemeanor.
02 May 2016, 9:00 AM
Maldives remains ‘very hostile for independent and opposition media’
The Maldives remains “very hostile for independent and opposition media” since the February 2012 “coup d’état,” reads the Reporters Without Borders’ 2016 press freedom index entry on the Maldives. “In a state of emergency and ‘national security’ climate, the media continue to be subjected to police brutality and government obstruction,” RSF observed.
21 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Second trial begins for Raajje TV journalists
The second trial against opposition aligned Raajje TV journalists began at the criminal court today, with reporters Mohamed Wisam and Adam Zareer pleading not guilty today to charges of obstructing police officers
17 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Five months after raid, police return some of Sangu TV equipment
The police have returned seven out of 33 pieces of broadcasting equipment confiscated from Sangu TV during a raid of the privately-owned station’s offices in Malé more than five months ago.
17 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Trial begins for Raajje TV journalists
State prosecutors claimed today that Mohamed Wisam and Leevaan Ali Naseer had attempted to block the arrest of a third journalist on November 2, during a bomb scare in the capital. If found guilty, they could be fined or imprisoned for a period up to four months.
14 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Raajje TV forced to apologise for report on president’s links to Sri Lankan sorcerer
The broadcasting regulator instructed Raajje TV in a letter yesterday to issue a formal apology over a documentary aired on February 6 about a Sri Lankan man who allegedly performed sorcery or black magic to help President Abdulla Yameen win the 2013 election.
14 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Charges filed against fourth Raajje TV journalist
Adam Zareer, a videographer at the privately-owned station, was served summons yesterday to appear for a first hearing next Sunday. He is accused of obstructing police duty during an anti-government protest on March 25 last year.
13 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Broadcasting regulator ‘concerned’ over charges against Raajje TV journalists
The Maldives Broadcasting Commission has expressed concern over charges filed against three journalists from the opposition-aligned Raajje TV, but stopped short of condemning the unprecedented criminal prosecution of journalists.
11 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
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
Police defend blocking silent march for press freedom
The journalists were not allowed to march as closing down the capital’s main thoroughfare would have caused traffic jams and posed difficulties to pedestrians and businesses, the police said. The journalists accused the police of violating their right to freedom of assembly, which is guaranteed in the constitution “without prior permission of the state.”
09 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Arresting the fourth estate
It is perhaps not the best idea to jail a bunch of journalists. It means that those who hold the pen, the power to communicate, feel a rare sense of empathy towards the rarely seen, writes Xiena Saeed.
07 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Three journalists facing trial on charges of obstructing police duty
The unprecedented prosecution of three journalists comes amidst a campaign launched by the Maldivian media against a government crackdown on press freedom in the country.
07 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Majority leader seeks to assuage journalists’ concerns over defamation bill
Speaking to reporters after a meeting Tuesday afternoon with the Maldives Media Council, the parliamentary group leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives said the government is willing to address press freedom concerns raised by journalists and amend the proposed defamation and freedom of expression law.
06 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
Deputy minister labels detained journalists ‘criminals’ as HRCM investigates mistreatment in custody
While international human rights and press freedom organisations have condemned the mass arrests as symptomatic of declining press freedom in the Maldives, the Human Rights Commission of Maldives has launched an inquiry after all 18 journalists, including seven young women, were strip-searched twice in 20 minutes in what they say was a deliberate attempt by police officers to humiliate the detainees.
05 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM
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