Media Council advises against broadcasting calls to create unrest

The Maldives Media Council has advised media groups not to broadcast content that incite terrorism and unrest.

The Media Council said in a statement issued today that in the broadcast of political rallies, it is the responsibility of media groups to exclude content which disrupt national harmony and encourage unrest.

The Media Council noted that some media groups, knowingly or unintentionally, do broadcast content that incite violence, and thereby violate the laws and regulations.

The Media Council said that the broadcast of content that incite unrest is avoided even in developed countries with the highest levels of media freedom.

Media freedom is not something that should interfere with a country’s independence and sovereignty, and the broadcast of such content could cause serious damage, advised the Media Council.

The Media Council also urged media groups to fully exercise the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution, but at the same time, reminded that the council will continue to monitor the actions of media groups, under Article 2 of the Media Council Act, to ensure that they act responsibly.