President mocks journalists, labeling some as "gutter press"
Responding to an inquiry regarding his recent trip to Singapore, President Dr. Muizzu characterized certain journalists as political activists operating under the guise of journalism. This remark comes at a time when the Maldives has seen a decline in its press freedom index ranking, amid growing concerns that the government is obstructing and mocking members of the press. Furthermore, international organizations have taken note of escalating issues, including the intimidation of journalists and police raids on media outlets involving the seizure of property.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu: During Monday's meeting, the President mocked and ridiculed journalists. | Presidents office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has once again ridiculed the media, labeling certain journalists as "gutter press" shortly after previously characterizing reporters as people who engage in "gossip."
During a press conference held on Monday, a journalist questioned the President regarding allegations made by opposition figures concerning his recent trip to Singapore.
Responding to questions regarding allegations made by opposition figures, the President began by mocking the journalists present. He further asserted that some reporters are merely operating under the guise of journalism, claiming they are, in fact, political activists.
I must state that there is absolutely no truth to those claims. I have also seen a similar video on social media. The moment I saw it, I wondered what was happening. It reminds me of the storytellers from the time of the Prophet—those who would narrate tales for a fee. They would tell stories whenever someone gave them money, continuing as long as the payment lasted. If the storytelling stopped, they would be told not to stop. I wonder if those times have returned. We see this happening among us today. There are certain "gutter press" individuals who hide behind the label of journalists but are actually political activists. This makes me wonder if that era of paid storytelling has truly returned.President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
The President has repeatedly mocked journalists and attempted to portray them as an inferior group, previously even labeling them as "gossip-mongers" during a press conference. In addition to the President, government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundu) has also characterized journalists as individuals who incite discord and fitna.
Amid growing public concern that President Muizzu’s administration is obstructing media freedom, the Maldives has dropped four places on the World Press Freedom Index.
As this administration continues to repeatedly obstruct press freedom, police have raided the "Adhadhu" newsroom and seized equipment. Furthermore, journalists have been arrested, imprisoned, and placed under travel bans, while also facing serious criminal charges.
