Maldives police arrests man who called to set president on fire

A man who called to “set fire to the president” via a phone call on live television, has been arrested.

While the incident took place this past week, police has confirmed that the 47-year-old was arrested from Vilufushi island in Thaa atoll.

In addition to the Maldives Police Service, Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) is investigating the matter.

The phone call took place during a live programme on opposition-affiliated television station, Channel 13.

During the call, the opposition supporter said that he believes that incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should “be set of fire.”

Channel 13 has since issued an apology to the general public, saying that a participant of its “Rayyithunge Adu” programme telecast at 1pm Thursday, had spoken on his belief and that the channel had immediately disconnected the live phone as soon as he said this.

Noting that they “do not encourage violence and hatred among the society,” Channel 13 further claimed that they will not allow anyone to act unlawfully.

This incident comes amid numerous calls and warning to the stations by Broadcom, over continued broadcasting violations.

During the administration of the now incarcerated ex-president Abdulla Yameen, several action had been taken against privately-run television RaajjeTV, including multiple fines amounting to MVR 3.7 million, under the Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act introduced in 2016. Some of the actions, including a MVR two million fine, was imposed over statements made by third parties or guests.