Maldives' most popular online news source stands in solidarity with RaajjeTV following 'unfair' fine

Maldives' most popular print and online news source, Mihaaru has contributed to RaajjeTV's 'Aburufulhu Fund', to show solidarity with the station following the MVR two million imposed on it.

Mihaaru's editor Moosa Latheef made the donation on its behalf on Thursday morning, with senior officials of both RaajjeTV and Mihaaru in attendance.

Speaking afterwards, Latheef said that Mihaaru believes that RaajjeTV was fined 'unfairly'.

Describing it as an attack on press freedom, Latheef said that the purpose of contributing to the fine in such a public manner 'is to show that Mihaaru stands in solidarity with RaajjeTV', as well as because it believes that media freedom is one of the pillars of a democracy.

Noting that Mihaaru has a different editorial policy to the station, he noted that journalists should respect each other's differences of opinion.

Latheef added that he, as a journalist, does not accept MBC's fine on RaajjeTV.

Also speaking at the small ceremony held in front of RaajjeTV's main office in capital Malé City, the station's chief operating officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa thanked Mihaaru news, adding that Mihaaru taking such a stand is impressive.

In addition, Fiyaz noted that Mihaaru's contribution to the dignity fund validates its work in ensuring press freedom in the country.

Maldives Broadcasting Commission fined RaajjeTV by MVR two million last week, alleging that it had broadcasted content that threatened national security and defamed President Abdulla Yameen.

While this is the fourth fine imposed on the station under the 2016 Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Expression law, RaajjeTV in a statement said 'like previous fine, this is also a targeted attack with no legal basis'.

Further noting that the commission’s report on its decision 'is filled with fabrications', RaajjeTV said 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.

RaajjeTV has now been fined a total of MVR 3.7 million; an appeal can only be made after paying the fine, which is required to be paid within 30 days.