Media Commission urges public not to target journalists personally

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has stated that it will not accept the insults and threats circulating on social media against Maldivian journalists who travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of Eagle Hills.

The MMBC issued its statement following a letter sent by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) to the Commissioner of Police. In its statement, the Commission condemned the threats directed at journalists, noting that it had observed cases of intimidation and harassment targeting reporters covering news and events.

“The Commission strongly condemns such irresponsible acts, especially those involving insults and life-threatening threats,” the statement said.

The MMBC also reminded media outlets that broadcasters and media personnel are prohibited from publishing or disseminating material that is defamatory or obscene.

In its letter to the police commissioner, the MJA said photos and videos were being circulated on social media to discredit journalists who participated in the media tour organised by Eagle Hills in the UAE as part of the Rasmale project. The letter states that journalists are being labeled and insulted as traitors, Zionists and Jews.

The MJA said journalists work in accordance with the editorial policies of their respective media outlets, adding that personal insults directed at individual journalists for carrying out their professional responsibilities are unacceptable. Such acts, the association said, have created fear among journalists and their families and threatened their personal safety.

The MJA made three requests in its complaint: to treat the matter as urgent and launch a formal investigation into those behind the campaigns; to conduct an immediate security risk assessment of the affected journalists; and to ensure adequate police protection for them and their family members.

MJA President Ahmed Naif said no journalist should fear for their safety or the safety of their family simply for doing their job. The association also called on media organisations and editors to clearly separate sponsored content from independent news and opinion content.