The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has formally ordered privately-owned television station RaajjeTV to respond to allegations of defamation stemming from a segment aired on its ‘Kaalaa Baisaa’ programme.

In a letter issued on August 17, the commission stated that content broadcast live on the night of April 20 included remarks that allegedly defamed the reputation of Ismail Suhail by implying he was suspected of theft. According to Broadcom, the broadcast violated Principle 3(a)(1) of the Broadcasting Code of Practice, which prohibits the airing of words, images, or sounds that could damage an individual’s or group’s dignity, honor, or cause humiliation.

Broadcom has given RaajjeTV until 2pm on September 3, to submit a written response under Article 8 of the Complaint Submission and Acceptance System. Should the station be unable to meet the deadline, it has been asked to provide justification and formally request an extension.

Broadcom has warned that failure to respond or seek an extension within the specified timeframe will result in the case being reviewed and concluded based on the evidence currently available.