A team from RaajjeTV traveled to Gaafu Alifu atoll this weekend, in order to raise the funds to pay off the latest fine imposed on the station by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).
MBC had, on 8th October, fined the station MVR 500,000 (USD 32,425.42)- its third fine in seven months- over comments made by Thimarafushi constituency MP Mohamed Musthafa on the 28th of July, during a live program.
The station's staff had taken to the streets, seeking public support in raising the funds. Teams also headed to the various islands, with the latest stop being to Villingilli and Kolamaafushi islands of Gaafu Alifu atoll.
The team, that left on Thursday, arrived back in the capital Malé City on Saturday evening.
According to RaajjeTV, the fund-raising drive in Gaafu Alifu atoll had garnered MVR 43,038.72 in two days.
Thanking the residents for their support, the station's news director Mohamed Husham highlighted that "this has been the largest amount collected in a single box thus far".
Ahmed Fuad- President of the Gaafu Alifu atoll council- and Villingilli island council President Musthafa Mohamed had helped with the fund-raising drive.
Both emphasized that the fines being imposed on RaajjeTV are "unacceptable", adding that the residents of Villingilli "will always support RaajjeTV".
