Media freedom misused in Maldives: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain has said that freedom of media is misused in the Maldives.

Faiz made this statement while speaking at a ceremony held today at Department of Judicial Administration, to present certificates to reporters who completed a training program on covering judicial sector news.

Faiz said that false information reported by media harms people’s reputation and human dignity, and advised senior members of the media to verify information before it is published.

He also urged those involved to refrain from using media to harm people’s reputation and dignity.

“Some areas of our system allow people to write whatever comes to mind, and send one copy to an institution and another copy to media. If the media publishes that without prior verification of the information, the person’s purpose will be fulfilled. Other people’s reputation and dignity will be ruined. The media needs to pay special attention to this issue,” he said.

He highlighted the responsibility of the media in shaping the society, and stressed that the media’s role in strengthening the society is in need of reinforcement and expansion.