Maldives journalist and others arrested for photographing riot police
Media freedom NGO Reporters Without Borders has noted a recent increase in arrests of professional and citizen journalists in the Maldives.
Opposition broadcaster Raajje TV silenced in the Maldives
Raajje TV was attacked just days after police accused the station of making false allegations against security forces.
At least four journalists attacked in protests
Journalists have been attacked by protesters and police during demonstrations calling for President Mohamed Waheed Hassan to hold elections.
Country backslides on press freedom
Police detained private TV station Raajje TV’s news chief Asward Ibrahim Waheed and Cable News Maldives journalist Ali Naseer during protests on 9 July.
Government urged to grant licence to independent television channel
The Maldives Journalists’ Association (MJA) has expressed concern over the delay in the granting of a licence to Raajje TV, citing it as a breach of the guidelines for permitting plural sources of news and opinions for the people of the Indian Ocean republic.
Journalist in critical condition after attacker cuts his throat
The authorities are urged to not rule out the possibility that the attack on Ismail “Hilath” Rasheed is linked to his journalistic activity as he has made many enemies through his outspoken blogging.
New government must guarantee safety and rights of journalists
After members of the police and army linked to the opposition staged a mutiny and forced President Mohamed Nasheed to resign, members of the police also stormed the headquarters of the state TV station and took control there.
IFJ deeply concerned by attack on broadcast studio
DhiTV was attacked on the early hours of 26 January after the station had broadcast live coverage of opposition protests at the recent arrest of a judge by the Special Forces the previous evening.
Leading journalist released, his blog remains banned
Ismail Kilath “Hilath” Rasheed’s blog was closed on 19 November on the grounds that it contained anti-Islamic material.
Journalist detained, charges unclear
Ismail Kilath “Hilath” Rasheed was arrested because of his involvement in a “silent protest” for more religious tolerance that was held on Human Rights Day.
Government shuts down blog in climate of growing religious intolerance
According to Ismail Khilath Rasheed, the Islamic affairs ministry had his blog in its sights because he is a Sufi Muslim, not a Sunni like most Maldivians, and has always been critical of religious fundamentalism.
IFJ concerned over police investigation into journalist’s sources
The Maldives Journalists’ Association has protested a decision by police to summon editor Mohamed Jinah Ali for questioning regarding the authenticity of a news report.
Police interrogation of journalists sets unhealthy precedent, says IFJ
Two journalists from the daily “Haveeru” were summoned for interrogation after the newspaper carried a story about a pornographic video racket.
Journalists attacked by riot police
The Maldives Journalists’ Association said the journalists were reporting on a protest organised by the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party.
IFJ concerned about increasing hostility against independent media
“The physical and verbal attacks on media organisations . . . could create an environment that would be adverse to press freedom in the country,” says IFJ.
Defamation decriminalised
The Maldives parliament passed an amendment to the Penal Code abolishing five articles related to criminal defamation.