Threatening the media is not acceptable in a civilised society: Media Council

The Maldives Media Council has said that threatening and intimidating the media is not acceptable in a civilised society with a compassionate government.

In a document issued by the Council, they said that even though the country’s Constitution allows freedom of press to a great extent, media is being sieged and held captive by politics today. This is not acceptable in a society where the government claims to be democratic and compassionate.

They also said that distribution of information is hindered due to several factors, such as the actions of some political groups, threats made to close down certain media operators, and statements made to damage the reputation of certain media operators.

The Council further said that in a multi-party political system, while some media operators praise the government for their actions, there will be others who criticise them. The same issue maybe broadcasted differently and from different angles by media operators, which is part of their responsibility to keep an eye on the government’s actions. This reflects the richness and talent of the journalism existing in the country.