MMC president condemns obstruction of journalists

President of Maldives Media Council (MMC) Mohamed Asif has condemned recent efforts to obstruct journalists in their duties.

Noting the recent rise in reports of such incidents, he said that this was a matter of great concern and urged to stop obstructing journalists as long as their actions were within established boundaries.

“I believe they should be given the opportunity to carry out their job duties. That should not be obstructed. Journalists are trying to bring news to the public. That should be facilitated and not be obstructed by anyone. That’s obstruction of media freedom,” he said.

Asif assured that MMC closely monitors challenges faced by journalists and works with relevant authorities to find solutions to such problems.

His comments come after a group of journalists were obstructed while taking photos Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed leaving President Abdulla Yameen’s residence on Thursday night.

The group that obstructed the journalists stepped in front of the cameras and threatened the journalists with violence if they filmed or took photos.