Maldives Broadcasting Commission has requested the President’s Office and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for clarification on the issue reported by media alleging that Raaje TV to leave a press conference

November 8, 2012

Maldives Broadcasting Commission has requested the President’s Office and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for clarification on the issue reported by media alleging that Raaje TV crew was asked to leave a press conference organized by Islamic Ministry upon instruction from President Office.

Following is the extract from the letter sent to President Office by the Broadcasting Commission regarding this matter.                                                

“The news crew of Raaje TV allegedly being asked to leave a press conference, organized by Ministry of Islamic Affairs, upon the request of President Office, is spreading on media and we would like you to clarify this matter and inform us at your earliest convenience.”

“Such actions regardless of the party taking them, limit the freedom of expression and media which forms the basis for democracy. Maldives Broadcasting Commission condemns such actions and believes that all media has to be given equal opportunity by all government institutions to be part of democratic environment.”

“Maldives Broadcasting Commission also wrote to President Office on 13 August 2012 when the news was spread on media stating that President’s Office decided not to cooperate with Raaje TV.  The President’s Office replied to this letter on 28^th August stating that “the policy of government is to provide the information to those parties which they are bound to.”

In addition, the Commission also inquired from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to provide information about the incident.