The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has instructed Channel 13 to issue a formal apology, after investigations into a live programme where an opposition supporter who phoned in called to set the incumbent president on fire.

While the TV station was given the opportunity to send a response in the case, Broadcom said that Channel 13 did not do this after claiming that the police have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.

It is to have informed that three officials were questioned by police over the matter, and further claimed that Broadcom reaching a decision on the matter while a criminal investigation is ongoing is a constitutional violation.

However, the commission said that the content aired on Channel 13 at 1pm on September 3 is a violation of the broadcasting code of practice.

While it highlighted that this is the first time the station violated this, Broadcom said that its parent company Media Ring Pvt. Ltd. ‘has continuously violated broadcasting laws and code of practice.

Broadcom also warned of stringent measures against them.

As for now, Channel 13 has been instructed to issue formal apologies on air, before Monday; one prior to the start of the “Rayyithunge Adu” programme where the call was made, as well as between 8pm and 9pm.

Broadcom also urged the station to be more attentive to the content being aired, adding that a short delay can be added to censor such content.

Shortly after the incident, Channel 13 issued an apology to the general public, saying that a participant of its “Rayyithunge Adu” programme telecast 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.

The man who made the call was arrested earlier this week.