Former Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has asserted that journalists should never face criminal prosecution for their articles.
The Muizzu administration has been dismantling the country's free press environment, using state institutions to create numerous challenges for media and journalists.
Speaking at the ceremony to mark the 11th anniversary of Sangu TV, Fayyaz stated that this period marks the most significant challenges ever faced in accessing information since the adoption of the new Constitution.
"I have always believed that whether a report is false or true, criminal action should not be taken against journalists," said Fayyaz, who served as the Economic Minister during the MDP administration.
While noting that he does not condone the spread of misinformation, Fayyaz emphasized that journalists must be given full freedom to protect democracy and safeguard the public from authoritarian leaders.
"Even when the truth is reported, authoritarian leaders will always seek to silence journalists through the use of laws. While reporting the truth is equally vital, ensuring accuracy is the responsibility of journalists and civil society—not something to be enforced by the government through criminal charges," Fayyaz said.
His comments come as police have launched an investigation against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Editor Hassan Mohamed, accusing them of five separate criminal offenses.
Meanwhile, the Maldives has dropped four places in this year’s World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
