Close Ties with Anti-Govt Press: President

The government have been keeping close ties with journalists over the past two years, especially those critical of the government, said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Solih mentioned this in an email interview he gave to “The Hindu” newspaper. President Solih said that the libel laws passed and enforced by the previous administration had now been repealed, granting the press more freedom of expression. The government was working closely with the press, especially journalists critical of the government, he said.

On the campaign trail in 2018, President Solih had vowed to meet with journalists once a month. However, in 2020, he had only met with journalists twice; once in March, and once in June; with no more meetings to follow as of yet.

Some journalists complain that the government, particularly committees and commissions, sometimes hesitate to answer questions posed, if not avoid answering altogether.