MP Riyaz Rasheed files complaints against media over defamation

Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed has filed complaints against media station which he claims spread false information relayed by CEO of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Mohamed Junaid, during a press briefing regarding Riyaz’s company, Meridium Services Private Limited.

In his interview with “Sun”, Riyaz reported that Junaid’s claims were resulting in damage to Meridium, and said he would be filing legal action for compensation.

Riyaz said that he has filed complaints against online media stations - “Avas”, “Sun”, and “Mihaaru” with Maldives Media Council (MMC); and complaints against television stations – “RajjeTV”, “SanguTV’, and “Channel 13” with Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).

Riyaz said that while the media stations had relayed information that Junaid reported, none of the media stations reached out to Meridum for a comment.

“Amending news after having spread it does not mean you did not spread the information. And even if you remove the article afterwards, it does not mean you have not spread it,” said Riyaz.

He said he also intend to press legal action against the media stations which spread the news.

CEO of MPL, Junaid informed media that Meridium was assigned to supply diesel to MPL without a bidding process. And that MPL was suffering millions in losses due to Meridium.

“Meridium supplies this place with diesel. They supply diesel for MVR 12 per liter. We made an open market announcement and got the offer for MVR 6.90 per liter. So the government, the State is incurring a huge loss,” said Junaid during a press conference held on October 12.

Civil Court ruled in favor of Meridium, ordering that the company continue operating as MPL’s sole fuel supplier.

MPL has appealed the decision with High Court.