Arrested journalists released

The journalists arrested at the journalist protest today for their rights have been released tonight.

A total of 19 people arrested during the confrontation that took place when the Police attempted to disperse the crowd that was protesting for the rights of journalists. Journalists from Haveeru, RaajjeTV, SanguTV, Maldives Independent and Vnews were arrested.

They were released after ten hours in detention at 10:30 p.m. tonight. Although they were released from the investigation jail, Atholhuvehi today, they have been ordered to appear at the Police Station tomorrow to give their statements.

A statement issued by the Police tonight said that the journalists were arrested for obstruction of Police duty, disobeying Police orders and committing illegal actions.

Maldives Media Council (MMC) raised concerns regarding the arrests that were made at the protest today noting the challenges in journalism in the country.

At a press conference at the MMC today, the President of the Council, Mohamed Asif (Mondhu) said that the MMC believes that Police used excessive force in the arrests today. He said that journalists protested today not on the orders of any political figures and their own initiative. And if anyone else was there, they did not come because the journalists asked.

journalists protested today to protect their rights and the only problem was protesting at a green zone where no protest is allowed. He said that no protests should be held at an area where it is prohibited and journalists shouldn’t do that.

The President of the Media Council said that it is illegal to protest near the President’s Office and is very concerned that journalists protested there. And he said that it is not acceptable for journalists to protest at a green zone.