Journalists will not be intimidated by acts of harassment; your efforts are in vain: Shafeeq
Former Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq has raised serious concerns regarding the independence of the Maldives' oversight institutions, alleging they are currently under heavy government influence. He specifically condemned the criminal investigations launched against journalists as orchestrated efforts to suppress the media, asserting that such acts of intimidation will not succeed in silencing the press.
Member of Parliament for the Velidhoo constituency, Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq. | MDP
Former Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq has stated that acts of intimidation will not deter journalists from their work.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Shafeeq stated that the country's independent institutions currently appear to be under subjugation. He noted that this trend is clearly visible within both the Media Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Furthermore, Shafeeq stated that since its inception, the commission has functioned merely as an entity that carries out the government's directives.
Shafeeq further stated that many members of independent institutions are solely focused on their salaries and fail to fulfill their professional responsibilities. He added that these commissions function merely as extensions of the Parliament, operating entirely under its influence.
Shafeeq stated that the criminal proceedings currently being initiated against journalists are orchestrated actions, adding that this reality is now perfectly clear to the public.
Shafeeq further stated that despite such measures being taken against journalists, they will not back down, and the government will fail to achieve its intended objectives. He added that the government’s current actions are an exercise in futility.
