MJA calls on PNC to take action against Falaah over remarks on journalists

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) on Wednesday called on the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) to take action against its parliamentary group leader, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah, for remarks made during a parliamentary debate in which he said journalists should be “impaled.”

Falaah made the comments during an extraordinary sitting of Parliament, where members debated a bill that would impose fines and penalties on media outlets and journalists under the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.

The bill was accepted into Parliament with 49 votes in favour, while 12 opposition members voted against it. Journalists staged protests outside Parliament calling for the withdrawal of the bill.

During the debate, Falaah referred to a video circulated on social media last year, which claimed to depict him. He denied the allegations at the time and swore an oath on Allah.

“I am saying this today with great emotion. I too have suffered humiliation because of various reports by those working in the media. They made me out to be a homosexual,” Falaah said.

He added that Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, who was seated behind him during the debate, was also surprised.

“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 went on to state that those working in the media should face punishment, shouting “impalement,” which drew support from some members present.

The MJA, in a statement, condemned Falaah’s remarks and urged the PNC leadership to take responsibility by addressing the comments made by their parliamentary group leader.