Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has temporarily suspended the "Madiseela" programme telecast by Channel-13, for the duration of the state of health emergency.

According to a statement released by BroadCom, the commission probed into complaints of unethical conduct on the programme that perpetuated panic and doubt amongst citizens during the Maldives' state of health emergency declared amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic.

While the Maldives had confirmed a total of 13 Covid-19 cases in the country at the time and has disclosed that they are all foreigners, hosts of the political talk show asserted that the state has been withholding information from the public.

On March 19th, hosts of the "Madiseela" programme claimed that a Maldivian has also tested positive to the globally-spreading Covid-19, and is being secretly treated at Dharumavantha Hospital.

BroadCom further stated that the commission has met with the management of Channel 13 – run by Media Ring Private Limited - and had given them an opportunity to respond, adding that the channel asserted that the information provided on the programme was from a reliable source.

However, the commission states that the channel's claims have proven to be false and thus, the programme will no longer be allowed to broadcast until the state of health emergency concludes.