MJA lodges police complaint after MP Falah calls for journalists to be executed by impalement

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) filed a formal police complaint on Thursday, after Ibrahim Falah, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s top lawmaker, suggested that journalists should be executed by impalement for spreading false information.

Falah had made the remarks during the preliminary parliamentary debate on Wednesday on the contentious government-backed media control bill. The Parliament majority leader’s suggestion that journalists should be executed by ulubeyndhun or impalement - an ancient torture and execution method - sparked widespread condemnation, with the MJA demanding a public apology from Falah as well as the ruling party.

Neither Falah nor PNC has offered an apology or explanation regarding the remarks.

Noosverinah maruge adhabu dheyn govailumun, Falaah hoonu fenah!https://t.co/iCIDDjKXlv#sunnews #sunmv #sunonline #news #ssmedia #latestnews #dhivehinews #maldivesnews pic.twitter.com/eQcu1OKn3U

— sun.mv (@sunbrk) August 27, 2025

Journalists who attended a sit-down with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday afternoon to share their concerns regarding the bill said that he said he found the remarks “regrettable.”

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the MJA said they find Falah’s remarks go against the values of Islam, a fundamental principle of which is to refrain from harming another.

 “And, these remarks by him are designed to intimidate acts of violence and physical harm against journalists and other media personnel,” said the association.

UPDATE: Following Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah's statement in Parliament calling for journalists to be "brutally executed", the MJA has officially lodged a case with the @PoliceMv for investigation. Inciting violence against the press is unacceptable and must be addressed. pic.twitter.com/sHRfECT2AA

— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) August 28, 2025

The MJA said the remarks invoke fear among journalists and other media personnel, and could result in loss of peace and stability in the community and push the country into instability.

The MJA said it has therefore filed a formal complaint with the police, asking the law enforcement agency to investigate and take action against Falah over the remarks.