PSM fined MVR 200,000 for defaming Umar

Public Service Media (PSM)’s TV channel – Television Maldives (TVM) has been fined MVR 200,000 for broadcasting the defamatory comments made by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah against Umar Naseer.

The fine was meted out to PSM after a four-month investigation by Broadcasting Commission after a complaint regarding the issue filed by Umar Naseer.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, Broadcasting Commission said PSM had admitted to broadcasting the defamatory comments on TVM without interruption.

“Based on the admission, and due to lack of legally viable reasons for broadcasting the content – we determine the content violates the principles of freedom of speech defined in Article 27 and 6ths Chapter of Anti-Defamation Act,” said BroadCom.

The commission has ordered PSM to pay the fine within 30 days.

The defamatory comments refer to allegations made by MP Falah during a Progressive Party of Maldives gathering that Umar, during his time as Minister of Home Affairs had been involved in corruption.

He had lodged complaints against both TVM and Channel 13 for broadcasting the comments.