The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has raised alarm over a growing number of threats and verbal attacks directed at journalists and media organisations, calling for an end to actions that undermine press freedom and democratic values in the country.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Council said it had received multiple complaints regarding abusive remarks and intimidation targeted at members of the press through both political platforms and social media. The attacks, the Council noted, have been directed at individual journalists as well as media outlets, reflecting a worrying trend in public discourse.
The Council strongly condemned gender-based harassment, expressing particular concern over statements made by those in positions of responsibility. It warned that disparaging journalists—commonly regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy—could negatively impact the Maldives’ standing in global press freedom rankings.
While reaffirming the fundamental right to freedom of expression, the MMC stressed the importance of exercising that right with responsibility, especially in a democratic society. It also highlighted the need to protect journalists from online abuse and politically motivated threats that can have chilling effects on media independence.
The statement further drew attention to unregistered media platforms that have been circulating unethical content, including images and videos from rallies, which the Council said violate journalistic standards. Such content, it warned, could result in the re-victimisation of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and survivors of violence.
Additionally, the MMC pointed out cases of discriminatory access to information, noting that some journalists and media organisations were being denied equal treatment. The Council called on state authorities and institutions to ensure transparency and fair access for all accredited media.
Concluding its statement, the Maldives Media Council urged all citizens, political actors, and institutions to refrain from any activity that threatens press freedom. It emphasized the need to uphold the rights of the public to accurate and ethical information and called for a collective commitment to protecting the role of a free and responsible press in the Maldives.
