President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with members of the Maldives Media Council (MMC) on Sunday, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to press freedom.

According to the President’s Office, MMC members shared concerns and challenges they face in carrying out their tasks, as well as future development projects and areas where they require assistance from the government.

They also expressed gratitude to the president, for repealing the controversial Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act. While the Act was introduced in August 2016, it was the first bill ratified by the incumbent president since assuming office in November 2018.

Repealing the law was a presidential pledge of President Solih, as well as to ensure press freedom and “to open investigations into journalist Ahmed Rilwan’s disappearance and Yameen Rasheed’s murder.”

Journalist Rilwan has been missing since August 2014, and his close friend blogger Yameen was killed in a gruesome attack in April 2017.

Speaking at Sunday’s meeting, President Solih sad that the government will “take necessary action after discussing with the ministries and tackle these problems” faced by journalists.

Also at the meeting, MMC members presented their book ‘Alimas’- prepared on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Journalism in Maldives- to the president.