Foreign Minister: Protection of journalists is fundamental

The protection and safety of journalists is fundamental at an individual, national and international level, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon has said in a statement on Thursday regarding the sudden disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla.

‘Freedom of media facilities a greater degree of interconnectedness and awareness in the community, and is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Therefore, the protection and safety of journalists is fundamental not only at an individual level, but at a national and international level as well,” read the Foreign Minister’s statement.

Rilwan was reported missing on 13 August, and was last seen last seen on CCTV footage from Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal in Male’ on Thursday night, 7 August.

The Foreign Minister noted that the Government and concerned authorities were committed to maximum effort in searching for the whereabouts of Ahmed Rilwan, and said she wishes “Rilwan be found safe and sound”.

The Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) have expanded search efforts for Rilwan to include the sea around Hulhumale’.