The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has snubbed a media committee formed by the government and slammed the authorities for putting on a ruse with regard to press freedom.
The government held a meeting with the media on December 24 following criticism due to the blocking of two opposition websites and the Furathama news website.
At the meeting, the MJA, the Editors' Association, the Editors' Guild and news websites asked the government to explain the reasons for the blocking of the websites. MJA called on the government to;
- End the blocking of the two websites
- Maintain transparency in blocking websites by revealing names and reasons
- Ensure the end of internet censorship unless within the boundaries of a law
The MJA’s proposals were supported by all the senior editors who attended the meeting, the association said in a statement.
But without responding to the MJA's demands, the government wanted to set up a seven-member committee to ensure press freedom and determine journalism policies.
The MJA has now decided not to participate in the committee as the government has ignored the proposals made by the association.
The government held a meeting with the media on December 24.
“In order to show that there is goodwill to reform things, the association requested confirmation of these matters at the meeting attended by ministers but with over 48 hours passed, the government has not given any response to the association,” the MJA said In a statement.
"Therefore, the exco of the association has now decided to withdraw from the seven-member committee formed after the meeting to ensure media freedom and formulate media policies."
The MJA does not believe that the seven-member committee will be able to produce any results that will facilitate freedom of the press and an independent and responsible media. The association said that the nominations and voting for the committee were unfair.
"The association deeply regrets and worries about this development and reiterates its call on the government not to use the power of internet censorship without transparent rules and legislation," the MJA said.
