Journalists given cash "gifts" at Saudi Embassy event
All journalists covering the event were given envelopes
Entrance to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Male' City
Journalists who attended an event of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Male' City on Sunday were handed envelopes containing "gifts."
An event was held at the Saudi Embassy on Sunday, recongnizing the accomplishments of Ahmed Nabeeh, a 14-year-old autistic boy, who, within the span of three months, had memorized the entire Quran by heart.
Following the event, all media personnel- including the two-member RaajjeTV crew- covering the event were asked to stay back, and were handed envelopes.
The journalists only learnt of what was inside the envelopes after leaving the Embassy. Each envelope contained MVR 500.
Maldives does not have a code of conduct for journalists to follow, in accepting such "gifts".
While providing refreshments for all at events, including journalists, is a norm in the Maldives, this is the first time that they have been handed money.
