The current administration's actions involve drafting legislation to obstruct the media and intimidating journalists: Shahid
Shahid has attributed the Maldives' drop to 108th place on the World Press Freedom Index to government intimidation of journalists and the introduction of restrictive legislation. In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, Shahid called for an end to the harassment of media professionals and reaffirmed the MDP’s commitment to standing with the press. He further highlighted that the country's four-point decline in the rankings represents a significant challenge to the future of independent journalism in the Maldives.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid. | Raajje MV
Abdulla Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is focused on enacting laws to obstruct the media and instilling fear within the hearts of journalists.
In a post marking World Press Freedom Day, Shahid stated that as the day is being observed, the Maldives' drop to 108th in the Press Freedom Index is a direct consequence of the current administration's actions. He noted that instead of implementing transparent policies, the government has resorted to the irresponsible intimidation of journalists.
Shahid stated that from the enactment of restrictive laws to police raids on newsrooms, the government’s actions demonstrate a systematic effort to instill fear within the media community.
Shahid stated that the MDP remains steadfast in its support for the media and journalists. He also called for an immediate end to efforts aimed at intimidating and harassing journalists, as well as attempts to criminalize journalistic work.
The Maldives has slipped four spots to 108th place in the World Press Freedom Index, marking a decline compared to its 104th-place ranking in 2024.
