Public asked not to circulate Adhadhu cartoon under probe
According to the commission, the content is being examined on the grounds that it appears to link prostration, an act of worship in Islam, with fraud.
The Media and Broadcasting Commission on Sunday instructed the public not to circulate a cartoon published in the “political cartoon” segment of the online newspaper Adhadhu.
The commission said it is investigating a cartoon published by Adhadhu on Thursday morning. The cartoon shows a group of people in prayer and a man stealing money from the pocket of an imam.
According to the commission, the content is being examined on the grounds that it appears to link prostration, an act of worship in Islam, with fraud.
Earlier, the commission had ordered the temporary suspension of the newspaper’s political cartoon segment pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a notice issued on Sunday, the commission said the cartoon has been ordered to be removed from social media platforms.
In a statement, Adhadhu said the provisions cited in the commission’s letter state that content should not be published if it is contrary to the principles of Islam or promotes any religion other than Islam.
The newspaper referred to Article 274(a) of the Constitution, which defines the principles of Islam as those contained in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, whose authenticity is not disputed, as well as the principles derived from them.
The statement said the cartoon was not intended to promote Islam or any religious message.
The newspaper said it would be easier to respond to the commission’s notice if the legal basis for the alleged violation was explained.
“We also note the work of your commission in addressing matters related to the principles of Islam, while a fatwa council is mandated to advise on religious issues in the Maldives,” the statement said.
