Adhaalath Party’s leader, Sheikh Imran Abdulla has said that RaajjeTV played a major role in establishing people power in the Maldives.

While the Supreme Court on Thursday issued a stay order on his 12-year jail sentence, releasing him from incarceration, the AP leader visited RaajjeTV on Saturday.

Speaking to the staff, Imran stated that despite being in jail for the past three years, that the Maldives was not lost to him and that RaajjeTV helped keep him updated on the events in the country, through Minivan radio.

Noting that the fourth pillar of democracy is free press, Sheikh Imran said that “I can unequivocally say that we saw this from RaajjeTV”.

While this was Imran’s first visit to a TV station since being freed, his last interview before incarceration was to RaajjeTV as well, and expressed sadness regarding the various hardships faced by the station over the past years.

“During my time in prison, I felt sad when I heard the several fines imposed on the station illicitly. When RaajjeTV’s hardworking, brave and patient staff were being victimized by authorities to pepper-spray, batons and many other challenges and tyranny, I believe those who remained behind bars really appreciated their efforts to claw their way through these challenges towards their goal. When you really think about RaajjeTV it is clear through their broadcast that the state’s fourth power is truly media freedom. I ask of you to continue in this path for reform” said Imran.

Noting that he will always appreciate the work of RaajjeTV, Imran encouraged the staff to carry on with the sincere work being carried out for the people.