The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) has not been acting in adherence to its mandate or within legal ambit, said prominent lawyer Abdulla Haseen.

In an interview to RaajjeMV, Haseen said that the MBC is legally required to be a representative of the press and must look to safeguard broadcasters and ensure they function with as little restriction as possible.

He further said that currently, the MBC’s process through which it raises cases against broadcasters or the criteria they evaluate said cases by remains obscure.

He spoke in reference to the MBC’s decision to fine journalist Aala Ibrahim over defamation allegations for having reported on the potentially ‘biased’ investigation into a rape case involving an important state official.

Moreover, Haseen said that there have been various restrictions to the local press as of late, ones that have been noted by international organizations, that the MBC has failed to tackle.