Monday
18th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Members of the governing body of MJA.
Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) remains silent as the government intimidates journalists and individuals for criticizing India's involvement in the domestic affairs of Maldives.
A statement released by the majority party Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) mentioned the Co-founder and Chief Editor of Dhiyares and the Maldives Journal Ahmed Azaan by name. The statement was brought to the attention of international journalism associations. It was also reported to police, requesting police safety and security.
The Indian High Commission requested the government to reprimand Dhiyares and TMJ following a report on the Deputy Indian High Commissioner. The Deputy High Commissioner also contacted the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions Rozaina Adam to investigate the matter. With no discussions within the committee, Rozaina reported the issue to the Maldives Media Council (MMC) on behalf of the parliamentary committee.
Rozaina declared that members of the MMC on Monday will be summoned to the Committee on Independent Institutions and questioned regarding the matter.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday released a statement with baseless accusations against Dhiyares and TMJ, claiming tweets from Dhiyares prompted a group planning to bomb the Indian High Commission. Several accounts on social media have threatened and shared images of Dhiyares and TMJ journalists.
Although the matter was brought to the attention of Maldives Journalist Association, the association has remained silent and has yet to release a statement. MJA has previously released statements on the intent to reprimand other media outlets.