MJA accuses MNDF of threatening media

Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has accused MNDF of threatening several media operators which covered the protest held across Maldives last Friday.

In a document released today by the Association, they say that MNDF’s advise given just minutes before the protests to “not broadcast any information that may interfere with peacefulness in the society, is interpreted as a threat to media operators”.

MNDF’s document further said that the Maldives Broadcasting Commission has the choice of taking legal action against news transmitted using electronic media, and the Maldives Media Council has this choice over printed media.

“This Association believes that MNDF was pushed by parties with political motives to issue this warning to media operators. As we do not believe that this was done in a responsible manner, we request an apology from MNDF,” reads the document released by MJA.

MNDF’s document endorsed by Chief of Defense Force Moosa Ali Jaleel and sent to several media operators, includes four main points, and advises against the transmission of any pictures or sounds “which may encourage the ousting of a government which has been formed according to the rules of the Constitution”. It also states that according to the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the country’s defense and military force to establish and maintain peace in the country.

“As a result, we take this opportunity to advise that the right to independent media be exercised responsibly and according to the existing regulations,” reads the letter by Chief of Defense Force.

MJA condemned MNBC, a media operator financed by the state, for broadcasting events of yesterday’s protest in a misleading manner.

MJA further said that the State TV and Radio channels should broadcast fair information. They said that since the Majlis had created MBC to operate these institutions, the government should hand over these institutions to MBC with immediate effect. They also called for the Courts to proceed with the trials regarding MBC without further delay.