The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the decision of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission to fine RaajjeTV with MVR 2 million.

RaajjeTV was issued the maximum fine allowed under the Defamation Act for airing a politician’s statement made at an opposition demonstration in March that defamed President Abdulla Yameen.

In a statement on Friday, IFJ stated that the media outlet should not be held responsible for the comments made by politicians during broadcast.

IFJ noted that the commission did not specify which speech during the broadcast had violated the law and cited RaajjeTV saying that the commission ignored all requests by the station to clarify the accusations during the investigation stage.

RaajjeTV has to pay the fine within 30 days or risk losing its broadcast license and can only appeal the decision once the fine is paid.

IFJ stated: “This is the fourth fine in two years and shows that the MBC is attempting to silence opposition voices and muzzling with press freedom through the draconian defamation act. The IFJ demands immediate withdrawal of the fine and urge the Maldives government to respect press freedom and freedom of expression.”