Privately-run television station RaajjeTV has decided to re-open it’s ‘Aburufulhu fund’ following the MVR two million fine slapped on the station by Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).
The station’s fund box is to be opened at 03:45 p.m. on Friday and is to be inaugurated by opposition coalition’s Presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
RaajjeTV stated that the fund box is not being opened to bow down to the groundless command of Broadcom but to dodge any misfortune that may befall the station if the fine is not paid, going on to say that melancholy will ensue if RaajjeTV’s broadcast, watched and supported by several, comes to an end.
“We are not, under any circumstances, bowing down to the groundless fine imposed by MBC. However, the station has been obliged to open up the fund box since RaajjeTV is the most watched channel by citizens and is a station that has the full support of many, and is appreciated for the hard work the staff put into bringing news to them and shutting it down would be a tragedy to our supporters” said Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the channel’s Chief Executive Officer.
While opposition candidate Solih is to open up the fund box officially on Friday evening, RaajjeMV understands that his running mate MP Faisal Naseem will also be opening up a fund box in Lhaviyani atoll Hinnavaru island at the same time as part of his campaign trip. RaajjeTV appeals on citizens to reach out to the station in order to organize the setting up of fund boxes throughout outlying atolls if they wish to provide assistance. As such, citizens may contact RaajjeTV through 3007771 if they wish to acquire further information.
RaajjeTV had on Wednesday released a statement revealing that the station does not accept the fine imposed on it by Broadcom, going on to say that this is a “calculated and well-coordinated attack to obstruct its efforts to make President Yameen’s government accountable" ahead of the September polls. The station believes that this is a pure act of intimidation stained with political influence and cowardice.
