Broadcasting Commission expresses concern over Police investigation of Raajje TV case and requests the President to withdraw case against Raajje TV in High Court

November 6, 2013

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission has expressed concern over the investigation carried out by the Maldives Police Services of Raajje TV’s broadcast content as a criminal case. Also the Commission has requested President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan to withdraw the case being appealed at the High Court against RaajeTV by the President’s office.

Below is the translation of the main points of the letter sent to President Dr. Waheed by the President of Maldives Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Mohamed Shahyb.

“As your Excellency may know, under Broadcasting Act 16/2010, this Commission was incepted to regulate, and develop the broadcast industry of the country. Broadcasting Act and Maldives Media Council Act states that the Broadcasting Commission and the Media Council is mandated to monitor and regulate the content of media.

However, by passing the above mentioned Acts, the Supreme Court has issued a court order to Maldives Police Service to investigate Raajje TV’s broadcast content of 19 October 2013.  In regard to this court order, the Commission has expressed its concern with the Supreme Court in writing. Moreover, the Commission also expressed concern as Maldives Police Service is investigating this case and it is an additional worry to the Commission that it is processed as a criminal case.

“On 21 October 2013, Supreme Court requested from the Commission to investigate Raajje TV’s broadcast content issue of 19 October 2013. In reply, on 24 October 2013, the Commission notified Supreme Court that the Commission is in the process of adjudicating this complaint. Therefore, the Commission believes that Supreme Court’s decision to issue a Court order to Maldives Police Service to investigate this case undermines freedom of expression and media freedom ensured by Article 27 and 28 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the Commission firmly believes that Supreme Court’s decision has undervalued the fundamental democratic pillars of a society.

“As the Commission is in the complaint adjudication process, we have requested from Supreme Court in writing to annul the Court order issued to Police and to withdraw the case filed against Raajje TV.

On a number of occasions the Commission has requested from Your Excellency to give equal opportunity to all media outlets as the Commission has been informed that the President’s Office continuously excludes Raajje TV from media events.

In accordance to Civil Court’s ruling, on the case filed by Raajje TV with regard to non-cooperation by the President Office’s, the verdict states that the President’s Office must cooperate with Raajje TV and not to discriminate against any media outlet. Also, under any circumstance, Raajje TV violates broadcast regulation and Code of Practice the President’s office has the right to lodge complaints with Maldives Broadcasting Commission.

After the Civil Court ruled in favor of Raajje TV, it is the Commission’s concern that the State had appealing this case at High Court.

“Henceforth, the Commission takes this opportune moment to request from Your Excellency to withdraw the case appealed at the High Court against Raajje TV and ensure the free flow of information assured by the Constitution and provide equal opportunities to all media outlets.