IFJ calls on government to ensure perpetrators are punished as soon as possible

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Maldivian government to investigate yesterday’s attack on Minivan News thoroughly, and to ensure that the perpetrators are punished as soon as possible.

In a press release today, IFJ expressed deep concern over the recent decline in safety for journalist in the Maldives and urged the state to ensure that journalists and media houses are protected against threats, intimidation and attacks.

The IFJ Asia Pacific deputy director, Jane Worthington, said: “This attack is clearly intended to intimidate an independent news organization for its editorial line. It’s a lame and condemnable attempt that the Maldives government should investigate thoroughly to ensure the perpetrators are punished as soon as possible.”

The IFJ also noted the statement by the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) regarding this issue, in which the MJA stated that differences with regard to content published by news organizations do not warrant vandalism and intimidation, and that the Maldives has established relevant bodies mandated to hear and address such grievances.

Police arrested one person last night on suspicion of destroying the CCTV camera at Minivan News office building. No details of the suspect have been disclosed.

Sun Online has been informed that the suspect arrested by the police is Ahmed Muaz, who has a criminal record for involvement in serious crimes.