September 23, 2013
Broadcasting Commission concludes “Andhalus” sermon case as not being in breach of the Code of Practice and informs Parliament of the decision
Following is the text of the letter sent by the Commission to People’s Majlis in this regard.
“We would like to inform that the majority of the Commission members present at the meeting held to adjudicate on the “Andhalus Sermon” by Jamiyathul Salaf have concluded that the sermon does not contain any content that violates the Broadcasting Code of Practice.”
In the letter by the Parliament it was stated that a large part of the Adhalus Sermon broadcast live on TVM channel of Maldives Broadcasting Corporation can be construed as anti-campaign targeted at one of the Presidential Candidates; the Commission is of the view as stated in the meeting with the Sub Committee of the Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament, and would reiterate that the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation is a body enacted by a Law and directly answerable to the Parliament.
Therefore, we respectfully recommend if the afore mentioned content consist of any anti-campaign material towards a particular Presidential Candidate, the Parliament to directly investigate the case in contact with the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation.