Falaah calls for harsh punishment of journalists in media bill debate

PNC parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah on Wednesday called for extreme punishment of journalists during a parliamentary debate on the media regulation bill.

The extraordinary sitting of parliament saw the passage of the bill by 49 votes in favour, while 12 opposition members voted against it. Journalists staged protests outside the parliament, demanding the bill’s withdrawal.

During the debate, Falaah expressed anger over a video that had circulated on social media, which he said falsely depicted him. He claimed the video led to humiliation for him and his family.

“I am saying this today with great emotion. I too have suffered much humiliation because of various reports written unfairly by those working in the media. I have been made a homosexual,” Falaah said.

He added that Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, seated behind him, was also surprised by the allegation.

“They put up a picture of someone who looks like me. I have a wife and children. I have grown children. I have young children,” he said.

Falaah then called for journalists engaged in such reporting to face severe punishment, saying imprisonment alone was not enough. He shouted “impalement,” a remark which was met with support from some MPs present.

The video in question was posted on social media last year, showing scenes accusing Falaah of being gay. He denied the allegations at the time and swore an oath on Allah.