Broadcom probes RaajjeTV for allegedly airing content violating first couple’s child's dignity
While First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has decided to file a civil lawsuit against Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, the Maldivian Democratic Party, and the party's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for allegedly defaming her children, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is also investigating a related criminal case
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed
The Broadcasting Commission has begun investigating a case related to privately-run television station RaajjeTV for allegedly airing content that violated the dignity of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed’s child.
The commission revealed this in a letter to RaajjeTV on 17 March 2025.
In the letter addressed to RaajjeTV's COO Naazmee Saeed, Broadcom stated that they have decided to investigate the content of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s abrupt gathering broadcast by RaajjeTV on 12 March 2025. According to the letter sent by the commission, the decision to investigate this matter was made on 16 March 2025.
The letter states that content violating the Broadcast Code of Practice was shown during the protest. Specifically, the commission noted that the content violates the principle of not broadcasting words, images, and sounds that could diminish or demean a person's or group's dignity and respect, the principle of broadcasting in a manner that protects children's dignity and rights, and Section (c) of the fourth principle of the guidelines for protecting children in broadcasting.
The content highlighted by Broadcom includes remarks made by MDP activist Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair claiming that the first couple’s child uses vape. During the protest, Mandhy said, "They started forcing Maldivian youth to roll cigarettes when Sajidha's child started vaping."
Noting that Mandhy's remarks contain content that violates the Broadcast Code of Practice, RaajjeTV has been given an opportunity to respond. Broadcom has provided an opportunity to respond to this issue in writing. As such, RaajjeTV has been instructed to respond to this matter by 2pm on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.
Further, Broadcom has requested that if unable to respond within this period, to state the reason and request for an extension. The commission has informed RaajjeTV that if they fail to respond within the given period, the case will be investigated based on the documents available for the investigation.
While First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has decided to file a civil lawsuit against Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, the Maldivian Democratic Party, and the party's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for allegedly defaming her children, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is also investigating a related criminal case.
