Death threat against Amir Saleem reported to police

A case involving a death threat made against Amir Saleem, Head of Programmes and Coordination at privately-run television station RaajjeTV, has been formally reported to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The threat was issued via Facebook on September 9, by an account under the name “Ruksha Razzaq.” The comment appeared under a photo of Amir Saleem speaking during a protest held near the People’s Majlis. The protest was organized by journalists after they were expelled from a closed-door committee meeting discussing the controversial media control bill. In the comment, the user stated that Amir "should be given the death penalty."

RaajjeTV filed the case with the police institution on September 15. The station said it views such threats as extremely serious, especially considering past incidents that targeted the media outlet. These include politically motivated arson attacks, physical assaults on staff, and a pattern of ongoing threats.

In a letter submitted to the police institution, RaajjeTV called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to ensure the safety of Amir Saleem. The station also submitted evidence, including a screenshot of the threatening post and a copy of the Facebook account responsible.

RaajjeTV emphasized that their decision to file the case was driven by both the gravity of the threat and a troubling history of violence and intimidation faced by their journalists and staff.

The incident has reignited public concern over what many view as a double standard in how police handle threats on social media. While threats against the president, government officials, and their families are often investigated promptly, critics say similar threats against journalists and ordinary citizens are frequently overlooked.

Many in the public and media community continue to express frustration over what they perceive as inadequate police responses to such cases.