Media Fenda abolished, citing violations of conduct

The President’s Office announced on Sunday the closure of the Media Fenda in the green zone, citing illicit use of the facility.

Launched on May 29, the Media Fenda was established to enhance engagement between media and government institutions, providing journalists with timely news and official updates directly from the President’s Office and nearby government bodies.

According to the President’s Office website, the Media Fenda operates on all official working days and offers 24/7 access for authorized journalists upon request. Its use is restricted to registered Maldivian media outlets (newspapers, magazines, broadcasters, and those in the Maldives Media Council’s registry) holding a special permit from the President’s Office.

However, the President's Office on Sunday alleged that unauthorized individuals have been using the Media Fenda, repeatedly entering the facility under the guise of journalists and violating its rules of use.

“Some journalists who have obtained permission to use the facility have complained that they cannot obtain news and information from the facility,” the President’s Office announcement read.

The statement further indicated that government offices in the area are experiencing difficulties due to repeated violations of public interest and social norms.

Additionally, the statement noted that unauthorized persons entering the Media Fenda have obstructed access to news and information and disrupted the Green Zone system.

Consequently, the Media Fenda has been abolished as of Sunday, with the President’s Office notice adding that another option will be provided for journalists and notified.

Journalists have recently voiced concerns over a bill introduced by an independent MP close to the government, which would allow the government to control the media. Journalists also protested against this bill, moved by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr, at the Media Fenda.