UN and US express concern over attacks on journalists in Maldives

The United Nations Country Team in Maldives and the U.S. Embassy in Colombo have expressed concern regarding recent attacks on journalists in the Maldives.

The short statement by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo stated deep concern and strongly condemned the attacks on the journalists.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental democratic right, and we strongly condemn these attacks on Maldives media personnel. We urge all Maldivians to refrain from violence, urge protesters and police to respect the right of all media outlets to cover demonstrations,” said the statement by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.

The United Nations Country Team in Maldives also expressed deep concern over the attack on journalists and said that these amount to attacks on freedom of expression, and merit prompt investigations.

Two journalists from MBC were subjected to attacks while covering protests last night. In a separate incident, Raajje TV journalists Ibrahim Waheed (Aswaad) was also attacked with a rod, fracturing his scull in four places and causing internal brain hemorrhage.