Govt. will not undermine the independence of the media - Pres. Solih

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the government will no longer arrest and jail journalists for doing their jobs.

While May 3 marks the World Press Freedom Day, a remark by the president on the occasion publicized on Thursday said it has always been the practice in Maldives for journalists to be influenced by the government. The president noted that when the new government began administration last November, the freedom exercised by journalists in the country was constricted and narrowed through the Defamation and Freedom of Expression Act.

“However, the fact of the matter is that there were no benefits for the nation nor the government due to the arrangement. I want to assure the journalists and beloved citizens that this government will not arrest and jail journalists for voicing their opinions, we will not make laws that undermine the independence of the media”, said President Solih.

The President acknowledged that government’s policies preventing criticism of the government paved the way to corruption and deceit, with the governance system of the country becoming tainted. Betrayal and thievery within the government was on the rise as a result of the policies, noted the president.

“The result of this was Maldives falling further and further back with each passing year on the Press Freedom Index. By the end of 2018, Maldives had fallen to the 120th position on the index”, said President Solih.

Noting that the bill repealing the Defamation and Freedom of Expression was the first to be ratified after the new government began administration, the president said the government aims to hold accountable governing bodies through the means of press freedom, to further protect the nation from corruption and thievery.

“The government is working to establish an environment that is even more accommodating towards journalists. We are also taking steps to ensure the safety of journalists. We will work in a transparent manner to accommodate freedom of expression for journalists. We will also make arrangements for journalists to easily monitor the actions of the government”, he added in his remark.

President Solih also highlighted the government's efforts in investigating the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed through the establishment of a special presidential commission investigating murders and enforced disappearances.

He further noted that just like freedom of expression is a right, the right comes with responsibilities of its own, which includes constructive criticism and verifying any news before circulating it. He warned that the nation would be engulfed in deceit and fraud, with the democracy practiced in the country taking steps backwards if such responsibilities are not practiced.