There are reasons to be concerned about journalist freedom in Maldives due to the legislations that have been passed which hinders the work of journalists, says James Dauris, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

In an exclusive interview with RaajjeTV aired on Friday night, Ambassador Dauris expressed concern over the imprisonment of journalists.

The Ambassador said he talked with members of the broadcasting commission about their responsibility to ensure and safeguard the constitutional work of journalists to serve the people by making the government responsible.

He also said that there are concerns with international journalists on the difficulties they are facing in securing business visas to come to Maldives and cover the elections.

Regarding the elections, Ambassador Dauris said that those in Maldives and in the international community are concerned that the playing field is not as level as people want. He said that people are also concerned about the composition of the Elections Commission and the officials being picked to monitor the elections.

He added that the UK is taking keen interest in the current situation in Maldives and that the world will take interest in the elections on September 23.