Gov't spokesperson says RSF decline reflects wider issues, not just government performance

Spokesperson says journalists have a responsibility to the government as media freedom levels plummet

Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) said on Thursday that the decline in press freedom in Maldives cannot be attributed solely to the government. His remarks follow the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index, which shows Maldives has fallen four places in the global ranking.

At the first briefing in a new series of press conferences launched by Mundhu, a journalist asked why press freedom had deteriorated. In response, he said the index reflects more than government performance alone.

“[Press freedom is measured] not only by government performance or a government's relationship with the media. You [journalists] have a responsibility for that. Every time it goes down, why do you decide whether we [the government] should do something or not?” he said.

Mundhu added that he is not satisfied with the country’s declining score and said improving press freedom requires collective effort from all stakeholders.

Referring to the index, he said a drop of four places may also reflect improvements made by other countries. As an example, he pointed to Nepal, which he said had advanced several positions following a change in government.

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He also said the administration maintains good intentions toward the media and is working to regulate the sector.

On September 16, the 20th Parliament, where the ruling PNC holds a clear majority, passed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. The bill drew strong criticism from journalists, associations and international observers, who warned it would enable government control over the media. The President ratified the bill despite calls not to proceed.

Journalists say the new Media Commission created under the law grants the government broad powers over newsrooms.

Meanwhile, this week’s police raid on the office of Adhadhu, an outlet sharply critical of the government and recently targeted over a documentary, has intensified concerns. Police seized electronic equipment during the four‑hour operation, and travel bans were imposed on CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed.  

According to the President’s Office, the raid was not ordered by the President and was conducted under instructions from the Prosecutor General’s Office. Mundhu said the Constitution guarantees press freedom but noted that rights must be exercised within Islamic limits, adding that authorities are investigating allegations related to the documentary under both police and Media Commission processes. 

The raid has drawn condemnation from local and international journalists’ associations.