Government has no intention of banning content from foreign news channels even if they violate gag orders; instead, enforcement actions are being targeted solely at Maldivian journalists!

The government has stated that it has no intention of banning foreign channels in the Maldives, even if they broadcast content that violates the "gag order" issued by the Criminal Court.

Following the Criminal Court’s issuance of a nationwide injunction prohibiting any direct or indirect discussion regarding the "Aisha" documentary—a report by Adhadhu news outlet leveling allegations against the President—various state bodies, including the Maldives Police Service, the Media Council, and the President’s Office, have begun taking targeted actions against journalists in connection with the order.

Nevertheless, several international news outlets continue to report on the documentary.

During Thursday's press briefing, RaajjeTV questioned President's Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundu) on whether the government currently intends to collaborate with local service providers to ban such channels.

In response to the question, Mundhu stated that there are no plans to ban foreign channels in the Maldives, even if they broadcast such content. He further noted that any such action would fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.

The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) and various other organizations have expressed grave concern and condemned the imprisonment of two journalists in the Maldives. The journalists were detained following their coverage of allegations against President Mohamed Muizzu involving sexual assault, harassment, and abuse of power. Furthermore, numerous observers are raising alarms over what they describe as a targeted crackdown on individual journalists and specific media outlets across the country.