A fund box is to be opened in Fuvahmulah atoll on Tuesday in order to help privately-run television station RaajjeTV to pay up the MVR two million fine imposed on the station by Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).
With the fourth fine slapped on the station since 2017, residents of Fuvahmulah city have decided to open up the fund box in the Funaadu district at 09:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and it will be opened by the city’s deputy mayor Mohamed Liraar.
Following the exorbitant MVR two million (USD 130,000), the maximum amount allowed under the defamation bill for broadcasting a live interview which the government-controlled MBC alleged to contain content that defames President Abdulla Yameen, RaajjeTV had re-opened it’s ‘Aburufulhu fund’ box on the 10th of August.
The fund opening was inaugurated by opposition coalition’s Presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in front of the station’s main office in the capital.
“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.
RaajjeTV had on 08th August released a statement revealing that the station does not accept the fine imposed on it by the broadcasting commission, 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 purely an act of intimidation stained with political influence.
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.
RaajjeTV assures all citizens that any contribution, big or small, will be accepted with immense gratitude. The station also noted that the support from Fuvahmulah city residents has been unreserved and genuine.
RaajjeTV further appealed on those who wish to provide assistance to the station to call 3007771.
