Government will not take action no matter how far reporters go with press freedom: President

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the present government will not take action against reporters 'no matter how far they go' with freedom of press.

The President made this remark while speaking at a ceremony in Lhaviyani Naifaru last night (Sunday night).

“The government will not take action no matter how far reporters go with freedom of press. Accusations of various degrees are being made even now, by newspapers and TV channels. Senior officials of the government are being accused of serious crimes. We have never filed any case in relation to these accusations to the courts or ACC,” said President Yameen.

He said that the government will not be concerned by criticism and that it will in fact, allow freedom of press to an extent local reporters have not experienced before.

The President has been criticised for turning down an invitation to the Journalism Awards 2014 ceremony on Saturday night, organised by Maldives Media Council.

Spokesperson at President’s Office Ibrahim Muaz Ali said that the President was unable to attend the ceremony because the invitation was extended too late.