President: Freedom of expression will be there, but have respect others' rights

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, underscoring the freedom of expression will be available to the greatest extent available by law, has emphasized the importance of respecting the other’s rights when exercising that freedom.

President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed participated in the special program of "Baajjaveri Hendhuneh" this morning to commemorate the 61st anniversary of Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu, the national radio station of the Maldives.

Speaking at the program, President Muizzu remarked on the need to strengthen media outlets in order to strengthen democracy. The president said democracy cannot be strengthened without strengthening the media, which is the fourth pillar of democracy.

“Freedom of expression should be available to the highest extent allowed by law. Our administration will ensure this,” he assured.

However, President Muizzu stressed that the rights of others should be respected in exercising that freedom, He described the standard as something not just applicable to journalists and media outlets, but rather everyone exercising their rights should not infringe the rights of another.

“Freedom of rights is something that should be exercised in consideration of other people’s rights; this a thing we should all remember. There are limitations that comes with rights,” he had said.

President Muizzu, noting freedom of expression was available to its greatest extent even at present, stressed that one must consider how much their words infringe the rights of another before they say it.

The president’s remarks come after two unregistered anti-government news websites were shut down on December 22; Kurusee and Dhiyavaru. This put the government in hot water, especially with organizations advocating for press freedom and freedom of expression.

The websites were unblocked yesterday amid criticism. However, the government has not, in an official capacity, disclosed why the websites were blocked.