Raajje TV journalist harassed by ruling party protesters

A Raajje TV journalist was harassed by pro-government supporters while covering a ruling party protest Monday night.

About a dozen men in raincoats surrounded Hussain Hassan and verbally abused him shortly after the president’s departure from the protest against the Elections Commission.

They expressed anger at the opposition-aligned station’s reporting of alleged corruption by President Abdulla Yameen’s outgoing administration. 

“The people’s votes were stolen! Then you call others thieves!” screamed one man.

A barrage of insults, including profanities, was hurled at Hussain. The group was subdued by traffic police officers at the scene, who pushed them back.

Political polarisation in the Maldives is reflected in the media landscape with most outlets perceived as aligned with the government or opposition.

In March, a Channel 13 journalist was harassed during the pro-government TV station’s live coverage of an opposition protest.

VIDEO: RaajjeTV ashaai RaajjeTV ge noosveriyaa Hussein ah raees yameen isve hunnavaigen mirey kuriyah gendhiya muzaaharaage baiverin kuri furassaara. Rayyithunah sahha mauloomaathu genesdhinumugai alhugandumen bireh nugannaane! Fahathakah nujeheyne! pic.twitter.com/Uc7Hqs4fdh

— RaajjeTV (@Raajje_tv) October 1, 2018

Riyaasee inthikhabuge Votege Natheejaa Hajam Nuvegen @PresidentYAG Baavaa Rally aei cover kuran dhiya iru Meehun madhuvumaky @Raajje_tv ge Masala aei noonei noonthoa.. RTV ge masakathah assaribahaa saabas @hussainfiyaz @nuzu8121 @RiznaZareer @AhmedMahloof @raajjemv pic.twitter.com/AV81g7UV4n

— Hassan Shiyan – 🎈❓ (@HassanShiyaan) October 1, 2018