Journalists stage protest in Male', calling for release of their imprisoned colleagues
Journalists and their families gathered in Male' to demand the release of detained reporters and urge the government to safeguard press freedom. Despite police attempts to obstruct the peaceful march, participants remained defiant, asserting that they would not be intimidated and would continue their advocacy for journalists' rights.
Journalists protest on Friday, calling for the release of their imprisoned colleagues. | Raajje MV
A large number of journalists took to the streets of Male’ today to protest and demand the immediate release of Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir, two journalists from the news outlet "Adhadhu" who have been taken into custody.
In addition to journalists, the march was attended by the families of imprisoned reporters and their well-wishers.
The protest, held on Friday afternoon, commenced at the Raalhugandu area in Henveiru. Journalists gathered at the site expressed various grievances, calling for an end to restrictions on press freedom and demanding the immediate release of detained journalists. The participants later marched along Boduthakurufaanu Magu toward Ameenee Magu, urging President Muizzu’s administration to guarantee the protection of journalists' rights.
As protesters attempted to move from Ameenee Magu through Nikagas Magu toward Majeedhee Magu, a large number of police officers gathered in the area and obstructed journalists. After being blocked from that route, the protesters attempted to reach Majeedhee Magu via the adjacent Dhanburuh Magu, but police intervened and obstructed that effort as well.
Participants of the peaceful protest requested police to allow them to proceed along Majeedhee Magu toward the Rasfannu area to conclude their demonstration. However, after the police denied this request, the protesters ended the demonstration at the junction of Majeedhee Magu and Dhanburuh Magu.
Protesters chanted in unison, declaring that Maldivian journalists will not back down despite imprisonment or various forms of intimidation. They reaffirmed their resolve to continue their advocacy for journalists' rights. Furthermore, the participants called on the government, asserting that no amount of threats or detentions would force the country's press to retreat.
