ACC raids MMC in probe into Journalism Awards case

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on Monday, has launched an investigation into the case involving the 11^th edition of Journalism Awards conferred by the Maldives Media Council (MMC) last week.

ACC Spokesperson confirmed to Sun that they have launched an investigation after the complaint was filed with the Commission.

In this regard, ACC raided MMC’s office as part of their investigation.

The controversy relates to the video shown for a nominated work in the Audio and Video in Investigative Journalism category.

The issue had first come light after Public Service Media (PSM) which broadcasted the event live released a statement citing the state media had no prior knowledge of the video shown during the event and in this trajectory, alleged deceitful conduct. PSM also alleged that the video was not in line with its editorial policy and violated the ethics of journalism.

The state media’s board also dismissed MMC’s President Ahmed Musthafa, who was serving as the Technical Operations Manager at PSM, over the controversy. Musthafa, who at the time of his dismissal had worked in the company for over 30 years, was reinstated shortly afterward.

MMC member Ali Nishan (Millzero) also accused Musthafa of influencing the content shown to showcase the nominations.

Musthafa, in a statement in his capacity as the Council’s president, denied the allegation, citing he had no involvement in any matters related to the award.

The seven judges who evaluated this year’s applications for the award later released a statement claiming the Audio and Video in Investigative Journalism award was bestowed in violation of the regulations.

MMC’s Journalism Awards is vetted by an independent judges panel appointed for the purpose.

Notably, this year’s judges panel included many individuals who were on the panel during previous years.