Media warned against ‘promoting convicts’

Broadcasting interviews and statements from convicted politicians violate the Jails and Parole Act, the authorities claimed, citing provisions that restrict meetings and prohibit convicts from holding high-level or leadership posts in political parties.

The stern warning came amid campaigning from exile by former president Mohamed Nasheed for the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s primary. Nasheed and Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim fled the country on medical leave after widely criticised prison sentences.

Following the threat against media, Nasheed, who has been campaigning remotely with daily Skype meetings, has said he will continue to communicate with the public through video conference calls.