International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says Maldives journalism field faces obvious challenges despite the government pledging for press freedom.
The federation released a statement highlighting its findings during a one week trip to the Maldives. During the trip, members of the federation had surveyed the journalistic field and its various challenges.
IFJ said it found several hurdles that would hinder independent journalism in the island nation. During the IFJ team's meeting with local law enforcement authorities, lawyers and news editors of local media outlets, they highlighted concern over the most recent change to the Maldives Evidence Act.
The federation's team had also identified importance of addressing "Shell Media Companies" used exclusively for political propaganda. IFJ advised to investigate such entities and take necessary action.
Additionally, IFJ had also claimed inclusion of all registered media outlets in the election of Maldives Media Council members, will enhance biased outcome.
Both IFJ and Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) have supported to restrict involvement of only active media outlets in the MMC elections, which is currently open for nominations.
IFJ had also shared concerned for several other issues related to Maldives media and journalism. Which include;
- Appointment of politicians or political activists to both Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Public Service Media (PSM) will enhance possibility for political influence on the institutions
- Lack of professional training opportunities and awareness of media rights and responsibilities
- Challenges of accreditation for freelance journalists
- Tradition of lack of impunity to offenders against journalists, and the alarming increment of influence from religious radicals that endanger journalistic diversity
- Delays in acquiring information from government institutions and ministries
- Loss of rights of journalists owing to the tradition of remuneration deductions
In addition to these, IFJ stressed on the importance of establishing a system to enforce protection of media and journalism rights. The federation understands legal enforceability of such a system will enhance ethical integrity and professionalism of the field.
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