January 24, 2012
Ref: (PR) 427-BUR/PRIV/2012/02
24th January 2012
Media Statement
A journalist of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) was attacked and gravely injured and also the building of private TV channel, DhiTV was damaged in clashes which erupted on the streets of Male’ following the protests held in the evening of 23 January 2012 demanding the release of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court.
The Maldives Broadcasting Commission condemns the attack as a ‘vile, cowardly and undemocratic” act against the freedom of expression and freedom of media enshrined in the Constitution.
The Commission calls upon authorities to investigate the matter and take lawful action against the perpetrators of the attack. The Commission further calls upon the concerned parties to refrain from targeting attacks to the personal and properties of the Broadcasting Media.