Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission Launches Investigation into Journalists’ Awards

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into the Maldives Media Council's recent journalists’ awards following complaints of potential rule violations. Allegations were raised regarding the awards process, particularly focusing on the audio-video category, prompting ACC officials to visit the Media Council's headquarters today to collect documentation for the inquiry.

According to sources, the awards' panel of judges had previously issued a statement in September, highlighting concerns over the ethical standards of the winning documentary in the audio-video category. The judges cited that key questions concerning the documentary's adherence to ethical media practices were insufficiently addressed.

This year’s awards have attracted heightened scrutiny, with observers questioning the absence of a customary independent audit of judges’ mark sheets, a practice usually implemented to ensure transparency.

Many in the media community argue that this deviation from protocol casts doubt on the impartiality of the awards.