Privately-run television station RaajjeTV has been ordered to respond regarding the broadcast of content related to statements made about President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's son at a gathering by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
RaajjeTV was instructed to respond in a letter sent on July 9.
The letter states that during an MDP political gathering broadcast by RaajjeTV on 14 March 2025, statements were made about the president's son that violate the Broadcasting Code of Practice. The commission decided to investigate the matter on 22 June 2025.
The letter cites violations of the Broadcasting Code of Practice's third principle (1), which prohibits broadcasting words, images, or sounds that could harm a person's or group's dignity or respect, and the fourth principle (d), which requires protecting children's dignity and rights in broadcasts.
The commission also noted a potential violation of the fourth principle in the guidelines for protecting children in broadcasting, which prohibits using children for political purposes.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Complaint Submission and Acceptance System, RaajjeTV was given an opportunity to respond in writing. The deadline for the response is set at 2pm, July 23.
The Broadcasting Commission of Maldives previously investigated a similar case involving RaajjeTV regarding content allegedly damaging to the dignity of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's son. The earlier investigation took place in March.
The previous case also involved allegations of content from an MDP protest that violated the Broadcasting Code of Practice. Specifically, it was claimed that the content breached principles regarding the protection of individual dignity and respect, safeguarding children's rights and dignity in broadcasts, and guidelines for protecting children in broadcasting, particularly the fourth principle (c).