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The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Control Commission) has issued a statement in defence of President Mohamed Muizzu after the media reported his remarks at a press conference encouraging Iran to intensify its attacks on Israel and the United States instead of advocating for a ceasefire.
At a press conference at the President's Office on March 23, Muizzu said he supports targeting US military bases in Gulf Arab states without harming the citizens. He also called for attacks on Israel "day and night."
In a statement on Wednesday (March 25), the Control Commission urged journalists to disseminate news responsibly and in accordance with their Code of Ethics.
The commission urged maintaining national security in the dissemination of news and information and stressed that remarks should not be distorted.
The Control Commission's Code of Ethics contains a dangerous provision on maintaining national security and safety. It states that in order to maintain national security and safety, information must be disclosed in accordance with the standards set by the relevant authority.
"Furthermore, Article 14 (Raa) prohibits the use of manipulated or fabricated photographs, audio, or video for the purpose of inciting hatred," the statement read.
Muizzu's remarks at the press conference
"We will not allow any opportunity for an attack against an Islamic country. That is not something we will do. The war must stop immediately. Anyone who attacks in that war is not making the right choice. If Iran attacks, it should attack Israel directly. That's what we believe. Israel should be attacked day and night. We really want it to go that way. But when Muslim Arab countries are attacked, Muslims will die. Places that belong to Muslims will be destroyed. But Iran's attacks on Israel, the two initiators of this war, the US and Israel, their places [military bases] must be attacked in a way that does not harm the Muslims in the region. That is the policy of the Maldivian government. So we will not allow to use the Maldives. Not only military aircraft, diplomatically or otherwise., Maldives cannot be used for this war."
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