CPJ calls on Maldives to drop fine against RaajjeTV

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Maldives government to stop targeting RaajjeTV.

CPJ on Thursday condemned the Maldives Broadcasting Commission’s fine of MVR 2 million (USD 130,000) against the TV station.

The organization noted that the fine was the largest amount it can impose for airing a politician’s statement made at an opposition demonstration in March, which the commission said was defamatory toward President Abdulla Yameen.

CPJ stated that the fine is the fourth the commission, whose members are appointed by the president and approved by parliament, has imposed on the station since March 2017 and comes ahead of presidential elections scheduled for September 23.

Steven Butler, CPJ Asia Program Coordinator said: "The exorbitant and repeated fines against Raajje TV are clearly intended to cripple the TV station and amounts to a direct attack on what's left of press freedom in the Maldives. The only conclusion is that President Abdulla Yameen Abdulla Gayoom is afraid the electorate won't choose him if it has a chance to hear critical coverage and opposing views."

CPJ added that it has previously documented how the repeated defamation fines against Raajje TV appear to be politically motivated and an attempt to shut down critical reporting.