Amid internet censorship, MDP says always upheld free speech
MDP made the remarks condemning the government's move to ban websites publishing anti-government content.
Previous MDP administrations have upheld the right to media freedom and freedom of expression, even when the administration was a target of coordinated disinformation campaigns, the main opposition party said Friday.
MDP made the remarks condemning the government's move to ban websites publishing anti-government content.
Three websites publishing anti-government content have been blocked in Maldives, with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and many members of the public expressing concern over the censorship of anti-government content and describing it as a warning bell.
The move came just a week into the government's decision to block pornographic websites. President Mohamed Muizzu also announced on Saturday that his government would block all access to websites that display explicit content.
People in Maldives reported kurusee.com and dhiyavaru.com -- both unregistered as media outlets -- as inaccessible on any local networks since Thursday evening.
A third one, Furathama.com, also said it had been blocked by local internet service providers, but it was later restored as people noted that the locally registered online newspaper had been blocked despite government assurances that it will not "shut down" or block any "registered" media outlets.
MDP said in a functioning democracy, the open exchange of ideas and opinions is essential for fostering dialogue, promoting transparency, and holding the government accountable. It is imperative that every Maldivian citizen is able to exercise their constitutional right to express their views openly and without censorship, the party added.
"The blocking of these websites obstructs people’s ability to freely express their concerns and criticisms, thereby stifling democratic discourse. Between 2012 and 2018, the state heavily abused its powers, threatening independent journalists, and crushing dissent indiscriminately," the statement read.
"The MDP calls upon the government to immediately lift these online restrictions, and to cease democratic backsliding."
The MDP said it remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to defending and preserving democratic principles and will continue to promote a society that respects and upholds the fundamental right to freedom of expression for all citizens in the Maldives.
