MJA condemns arrest of journo from opposition protest

Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has condemned the arrest of a journalist from ‘Avas’ media who was covering the serial protests in Male’ City by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition.

At the time of his arrest from the protest, the journalist had been wearing his press card. He has since been released from police custody.

While police have yet to explain his arrest – MJA, in a tweet on Friday, expressed concern over the "harassment" and "torture" of journalists covering the protests by the police.

MJA condemns the arrest of a journalist of @avasmv who was covering the opposition demonstration in Male’ last night. The union is deeply concerned that journalists covering the protests are constantly being harassed, tortured by the @PoliceMv 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nBV8COQlZd

— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) March 17, 2023

They also underscored an increase in media rights violations this year, detailing eight such cases have been reported so far.

Therewith, MJA called on government authorities and the police to ensure the safety of journalists covering protests and rallies.

The opposition coalition has held protests almost every night since the arrest of opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom after he was sentenced to 11 years in prison on a money laundering and bribery conviction. Dozens of people are arrested from these protests every night.