Action will be taken against the unregistered news sites Kurusee, Dhiyavaru and Dhon Amaa after the President's Office submitted complaints, the Maldives Media Council (MMC) has said.
Numerous complaints were made about the three websites, MMC said in a statement released today. Of the 16 complaints in total, eight were submitted by the President's Office. Some complaints were also submitted by ministries.
"Looking into some of the complaints received about the above-mentioned websites, we have so far noted false information. The council's decisions will be made public as the inquiries proceed," the statement read.
The government previously blocked the Kurusee and Dhiyavaru websites. But the sites were unblocked after the government faced pressure from the public and some NGOs.
MMC said the council has decided to formulate sound rules and procedures for inquiries related to unregistered media outlets.
"Most members of this council believe that it is a concern that no action is taken when false information is spread in the name of the media. Therefore, the council has approved at a meeting to formulate procedures related to looking into cases of unregistered media in order to establish a sound mechanism," the statement read.
MMC also appealed against spreading lies and warned of action against those responsible.
"It is an appeal made by this council to not spread false information in society in a manner that infringes the rights of other when the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution is used properly. We note that action will be taken in accordance with laws, regulations and existing rules against those who repeat such acts," MMC said in its statement.
