Commission Express Concern and Requests Police to Investigate News Alleging Government Plans to Shut Down Raaje TV

October 6, 2013

Maldives Broadcasting Commission has requested Maldives Police Service to investigate news reports alleging government’s plans to shut down Raaje TV by getting a court order with the aid of Ministry of Defense and National Security and Ministry of Home Affairs and the Attorney General office.

Following is the main points of the letter sent by the President of Broadcasting Commission to the Commissioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz. This letter was also copied to to Raaje Television Private Limited, “Independent Institutions Oversight Committee” and the “National Security oversight Committee” of Parliament 241.

“We are deeply concerned about the news published on Udhares Online on 6 October 2013 and on Social Media alleging that Ministry of Defense and National Security, Ministry of Home Affairs and Attorney General’s Office is in the process of getting a court order to halt Raaje TV.

“The legal responsibility of taking action or holding the license of a broadcaster is vested in the hands of the Broadcasting Commission, and no other organization possesses the authority to execute such an action.

 “Therefore we request to expedite the process of investigating this matter and take the necessary action as accordingly. We have enclosed with this letter a copy of the report published on Udhares Online.

We would like to further discuss this matter with you and kindly request to give us an appointment for a meeting at your earliest convenience. ”