Press Freedom

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Campaign workers for President Yameen appointed to broadcasting regulator

The ruling party-dominated parliament has approved six of President Abdulla Yameen’s nominees to the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, including the regulator’s incumbent president and two campaign workers. A group of journalists staged a silent protest outside the People’s Majlis while voting on the nominees took place around 1:30pm.

16 journalists arrested in police crackdown on sit-in protest

The police have violently cracked down on a peaceful sit-down protest staged by journalists outside the president’s office this morning, arresting more than 15 reporters from various media outlets. Riot police officers used pepper spray and violently pushed and shoved journalists behind barricades in front of the Velaanage office building.

CNM journalist barred from Imran’s terrorism trial

Misbah Abbas, senior desk editor at CNM, told The Maldives Independent that he was barred days after he reported Judge Bari threatening journalists over allegedly unfair coverage of the Adhaalath Party leader’s terrorism trial. Despite registering for yesterday’s hearing, Misbah was told that “the judge has decided not to let the CNM journalists inside.”

Reporter detained for taking photo of Adeeb on his first visit to Malé

A reporter was briefly detained today for taking a picture of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb as he left the capital under heavy police guard following his first visit to Malé since his detention in October.

News website hacked after repeated threats to journalists

Hassan Zaheen, senior journalist at Addu Live, told The Maldives Independent that suspects acquitted by the criminal court had often called reporters and demanded the removal of articles on corruption of judges and news items critical of the government.

Raajje TV journalist alleges attempted assault by government officials

Raajje TV COO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa alleged that Abdul Shukoor Abdulla, executive coordinator at the youth ministry, and Ahmed Mamdhooh, deputy managing director of the state-owned Maldives Road Development Corporation, attempted to assault him inside the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital on Monday.

Cameraman ‘forced’ to erase footage of PG meeting judge

US shines spotlight on missing Maldives journalist

CPJ urges Maldives to free Raajje TV and Channel One journalists

Home Ministry opens up second call for newspaper, magazine re-registration