Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom), on Thursday, concluded that local television channel Raajje TV was unjustly fined MVR 2 million in 2018 for broadcasting content that defamed former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
During the previous administration, BroadCom fined Raajje TV with a total of MVR 3.7 million on five occasions, under the contentious Freedom of Speech and Defamation Act that was passed in 2016.
Heavily criticised as a means for curtailing freedom of speech and press, the act was repealed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November 2018, less than a week after he assumed office.
After being ordered to pay the full MVR 2 million within one month, Raajje TV managed to settle the fine by opening for public donations.
Despite attempting to lodge the matter at the Civil Court, Raajje TV was unable to secure an extended repayment period for the largest fine imposed under the Defamation Act.
Raajje TV maintained that the fine was imposed unjustly and submitted the matter to BroadCom for review after the body amended its regulations during the incumbent administration to include a framework for reviewing previous cases.
Hoarafushi MP and Raajje TV co-founder Ahmed Saleem stated that the media outlet prioritised justice above all other objectives and would therefore be donating the fine amount to Kudakudhinge Hiya, the state orphanage in Vilimale', when the money was returned.
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