President reiterates commitment to press freedom

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has on Monday said that the people “will always be allowed to criticize the government”.

The president made the statement while speaking to the residents of Ukulhas island of Alif Alif atoll during his one-day visit, where he highlighted that they can only attain its development goals and prosperity only by ensuring the fundamental rights of the people.

Noting that the people must be allowed to voice their concerns and opinions, whether the government likes it or not, President Solih said that his government “will not deprive the people of any such rights”.

He added that the people “will always have the right to criticize” his government’s activities.

Also speaking in Ukulhas, President Solih reiterated his pledge to ensure press freedom in the country.

Noting that the Maldives has dropped to 120th place- out of 180 nations- in the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the president highlighted that the county has been sliding down the list since 2012.

He noted that RSF describes journalism in Maldives as “severely restricted and prohibitive,” adding that this is because of the various “restrictions” imposed on the media by former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.

The president added that he will be speaking on the progress in press freedom in the country “by this time next year”.

While RSF had, earlier this year, called on then presidential candidates Solih and Yameen to make three pledges to press freedom, the former had done so.

President Solih pledged to repeal the Anti-Defamation Act, and open investigations into the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed.

Since assuming office last month, President Solih has repealed the controversial law, and established a commission to investigate murders and enforced disappearances.