Channel 13 ordered to apologize to EC chief

Channel 13 has been ordered to apologize to Elections Commission (EC) President Ahmed Shareef.

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission issued the order in a notice on Monday.

The commission stated that on October 5, 2017, Channel 13 had aired content that spread misinformation regarding the EC chief, by accusing him of committing election fraud.

This is in regards to Channel 13’s coverage of the protest held in front of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) office on October 5, after the party’s candidate, Abdulla Yameen, failed in his re-election bid in the presidential election.

After his loss, PPM members accused the EC of committing electoral fraud and held protests every night.

The broadcasting commission stated that the content violated the anti-defamation laws and so urges Channel 13 to refraining from airing such content.

The commission also ordered the media station to televise a statement of apology addressed to EC chief Shareef on February 14, between 8pm to 10pm.

This stands in stark contrast to the commission’s behavior during former President Yameen’s administration, when it allowed Channel 13 to target and defame Yameen’s opponents.

Most members of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission had also contributed to Yameen’s campaign.