Police decision not to cooperate with Raajje TV was against the law: Civil Court

The Civil Court has ruled today that the decision by the police not to cooperate with Raajje TV was a violation of the Constitution and the Police Act.

In addition, the court ordered the police to provide information to Raajje TV in the same manner that they provide information to other media stations, and also to provide security to the employees and property of Raajje TV.

The ruling states that article 244 (b) of the Constitution stipulates that the primary objectives of the police service include protecting and securing all people in the Maldives and their property; and article 246 (a) states that members of the security services shall treat all persons and groups equally without any discrimination.

It further said that Raajje TV has the right to freedom of expression as stipulated in article 27, the right to freedom of press as stipulated in article 28, the freedom to acquire and impart knowledge as stipulated in article 29, and the right to all freedoms without discrimination as stipulated in article 17 of the Constitution.

The police have withdrawn their earlier decision, and resumed cooperating with Raajje TV.