RSF calls on Maldivian authorities to protect journalists from police brutality

Reporters Without Border (RSF) has called on the Maldivian authorities curb violence against journalists covering opposition protests.

Footage of police using excessive and unwarranted force against journalists from opposition-aligned Channel 13 have been circulating online including their cameraman Mohamed Shaheem who was ultimately tackled to the ground to stop him from covering protest, police claimed to not have known the man was affiliated with a media outlet despite the media pass he was wearing.

Following the incident, Maldives Journalist Association (MJA), in a statement condemned the actions of the police “that seemingly single out and target specific journalists and media, and expressed concern over the matter”.

Noting that it believes that all journalists and media should be accorded equal opportunity to cover demonstrations, MJA also called on the police “to ensure a safe environment for all journalists to properly cover and report on protests and demonstrations, and to provide safety for field reporters who are active on-site to report such news to the masses”.

The Association also called on authorities “to take firm action at the soonest to avoid such incidents repeating in the future”.

While Reporters Without Borders also expressed concern over the mistreatment of the Channel 13 journalist covering Friday’s protest, it also urged authorities “to not let go unpunished this blatant act of police brutality”.

Formed in 2009, MJA was inactive for years during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration when police brutality against journalists was at its highest. It resumed work last year.