MMC probes complaint against police, for allegedly obstructing journalists
MMC said that it aims to eliminate all such obstructions to journalists from fulfilling their responsibilities and to provide a safe environment for free media in the country
Members of the Maldives Media Council at a parliament committee meeting
Maldives Media Council (MMC) has launched an investigation into claims that police officers had obstructed journalists.
MMC announced this via a statement on Saturday, noting that it has received a complaint that officers had obstructed journalists that were on the scene while former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb was presented to a Supreme Court hearing earlier this week.
Noting that it aims to eliminate all such obstructions to journalists from fulfilling their responsibilities and to provide a safe environment for free media, MMC said that officers found guilty will be penalized.
MMC has formed a special committee to investigate the issue.
Journalists in the Maldives faced various threats during former President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year tenure, including arrests and prosecution.
While the Yameen regime believed that journalists “must be contained,” the curernt administration vowed to ensure full press freedom throughout his tenure.
In fact, one of incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s first tasks in office was the repealing of the draconian anti-defamation law introduced by the previous administration in 2016.
