183 journalists sign petition, hands over to state authorities

Journalists on Sunday hand delivered petition regarding current challenges and concerns to journalism – signed by 183 journalists from 11 media stations.

The petition was hand delivered to President’s Office, Supreme Court and People’s Majlis.

Speaking after handing over the petition to People’s Majlis, working group of journalists who were involved in making the petition said that the petition had been accepted by all three authorities, and said that they hoped for a good outcome.

Editor of Maldives Independent Zaheena Rasheed, who was involved in making the petition said that they expected at least 200 journalists to sign the petition.

Journalists not just from Male’, but across the country signed the petition.

The petition outlined 9 main demands. Which are:

• Taking immediate measures to conduct a complete and independent investigation into kidnapping of Maldives Independent journalist Rilwan Abdulla, and bring those behind the crime to justice.

• Investigating threats and attacks against journalist, prosecuting and bring the culprits to justice.

• Taking immediate measures to ensure the independence of Maldives Broadcasting Commission as appointing political activists to the commission has already raised concerns regarding the independence of the commission, both among journalists and ordinary citizens.

• Conducting a free and fair investigation into cases against RajjeTV and SanguTV by Maldives Broadcasting Commission.

• Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission act as mediators to get back SanguTV equipment confiscated by police.

• Issue of state authorities not taking sufficient matters to stop physical and mental attacks against journalists by gangs, politicians and religious extremists.

• Throwing out Defamation and Freedom of Expression Bill from People’s Majlis as it constrains media freedom.

• Throwing out charges against 24 journalists arrested while performing their duties as journalists.

• Removing constraints against media in the form of barring some media stations from sitting in on court hearings, journalists from private media stations not being allowed to attend events by President’s Office, efforts to marginalize specific media stations as well as constraints against media freedom in general.

• Calling out for state to act as mediator to stop the oldest running newspaper and online news website in Maldives – Haveeru – from being shutting down as a result of ownership dispute.

Editor for Sun Online Ahmed Mujthaba said that Department of Judicial Administration had accepted the petition, and vowed to look into concerns mentioned in the petition and hold discussions with relevant authorities to resolve the issues.

“Presidents’ Office also cooperated. An official accepted the petition on their behalf and said that it would be looked into. And now we are at Majlis. It was also accepted by Majlis. Said the petition would be looked into,” said Mujthaba.

Mujthaba, too, said that he hoped for a good outcome from the petition.

The working group said that it was the first time in Maldivian history for so many journalists to come together for one cause. And said that they hoped all relevant state authorities would sit down and discuss with media – the fourth pillar of democracy.

Journalists also held a silent rally in Male’ last Friday to call for ensure media freedom and remove constraints against journalism.