Police consult PG in Falah investigation
Falah called for journalists to be killed instead of jailed during a parliamentary sitting
Falah has come under fire for inciting violence against journalists.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated that they have sought legal advice from the Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) regarding the investigation into the case where Ibrahim Falah, the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader and MP for Inguraidhoo constituency, called for journalists to be killed rather than jailed during the parliamentary sitting held on August 27.
In a message sent to the media, the institution revealed that on August 28, the Maldives Police Service submitted a request for legal advice to the Prosecutor General's Office regarding the investigation of a case filed by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) concerning statements made by a Member of Parliament on the parliament floor.
MJA, which filed the case against Falah with the police, said that while non-violence towards any person is among the fundamental principles of Islam, Falah's statement contradicts the principles of Islam. They also stated that this creates an atmosphere of fear for journalists and those working in the media. MJA further noted that MP Falah's statement could lead to a loss of social peace and potentially plunge the country into unrest.
During an extraordinary parliamentary sitting held on August 27, discussing the media control bill, Falah stated that it was a significant bill and did not hinder any media workers. He also called on all PNC lawmakers to vote for the bill. Falah claimed that he had suffered greatly due to false news spread by journalists. He emphasized being labeled as homosexual in media reports, which he said was slanderous fake news that affected his family as well.
MP Falah invoked a brutal method of torture and execution historically practiced, a phrase that carries violent, chilling connotations. In his speech, Falah suggested that this method “needs to be done” to journalists, instead of jailing them. Many interpret this as a call for the execution of journalists.
Although Falah made these comments, it is noteworthy that no media outlet has actually published such false news, and these stories have only circulated on social media.
MJA has also called on PNC to take ethical action against Falah for openly calling for violence against a group on the parliament floor. They have also appealed to him to publicly apologize for these apologize for these statements.
