Fayyaz: Journalists shouldn’t face criminal proceedings regardless of accuracy of reports

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail states journalists should not face criminal action, regardless of whether the information they report is accurate or false.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of Sangu TV on Thursday night, Fayyaz underscored the importance of a free press in sustaining democracy in the Maldives. He went on to point out Maldives’ rank drop in the Press Freedom Index published by “Reporters Without Borders” (RSF), which assesses global levels of press freedom.

In this regard, he detailed that the media control bill passed last September by the 20^th parliamentary assembly—where the People’s National Congress (PNC) holds a majority—has created significant challenges for press freedom in the country.

Fayyaz also referenced the police interrogation of ‘Adhadhu’ media outlet’s CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Managing Editor Hassan Mohamed and seizure of their passports over the controversy surrounding the documentary, ‘Aisha’, produced by the media, adding they suggest plans by the government to prosecute.

“I have always believed that criminal measures should not be taken against journalists, whether they have reported truth or lies,” Fayyaz said.

“There should be open doors for free press to uphold democracy and protect citizens from authoritarian leaders,” he added.

He clarified, however, that his remarks should not be interpreted as support for the spread of misinformation, but rather as concerns over criminal proceedings against journalists.

Fayyaz added that in the absence of press freedom, authoritarian leaders will attempt to silence journalists even when they report the truth.

“Accountability should be ensured through media civil societies, not through criminal charges brought by the state,” he said.

He expressed his belief that a level of press freedom enjoyed in other countries can be achieved in the Maldives, adding press freedom always faces obstacles based on the ideology of whoever is in power at that time.