Opposition figures urge media to resist intimidation

Senior figures of the Maldivian Democratic Party on Sunday called on journalists to continue their work despite what they described as growing pressure on the media.

Marking World Press Freedom Day, former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, along with MDP President Abdulla Shahid, issued statements on social media concerning the state of press freedom in the Maldives.

Nasheed said the Maldives was falling in the global press freedom rankings.

“The Maldives is sliding down the Press Freedom Index. Forcing the disclosure of sources and systemic intimidation through the Media Control Commission have become commonplace,” he said.

He added that there should be no compromise in protecting press freedom.

Solih praised journalists for their role in informing the public and said a free press was essential for democracy.

He referred to recent incidents involving searches of independent newsrooms, travel restrictions on editors and the use of laws against media outlets.

“At this critical juncture, journalists must remain courageous and firm in their convictions. We must not allow intimidation to prevail,” Solih said.

He also noted that during his administration the Maldives improved from 120th to 72nd in the global press freedom ranking.

Shahid described this year’s Press Freedom Day as a difficult moment for Maldivian journalism.

He accused the government of using laws and police action against the media rather than accepting scrutiny.

“Instead of accountability, this government has chosen intimidation. We stand firmly with the media and call for an immediate end to the harassment, threats, and punitive actions against journalists,” Shahid said.

Former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail also criticised recent media-related legislation.

He said freedom of expression had declined and called for the repeal of the Media Control Bill, arguing that the media should be allowed to regulate itself.

“Independent journalism is the only path to accountability. To the journalists on the front lines: we are with you,” he said.

According to the latest Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, the Maldives ranks 108th, down four places from the previous year.

The report cited failure to amend source disclosure provisions in the Evidence Act, legislation creating a state-controlled media commission, and the use of state advertising and subsidies as factors affecting media freedom.