MJA expresses concern over integrity of Journalism Awards being compromised

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has expressed concerns, stating that the actions of Maldives Media Council (MMC) President Ahmed Mustafa and the panel of judges have compromised the integrity of the Journalism Awards.

In a statement issued by MJA, they noted that Ahmed Mustafa had been dismissed from his position at State media PSM following Adhadhu Online's documentary 'Skeelan' receiving the Award in the Audio/Video category in investigative journalism. Mustafa was reinstated on the same day. A statement he issued with MMC's letterhead, and subsequent statements from the panel of judges of the award, had led to compromising the integrity of the awards itself, MJA said.

MJA raised concerns about speculation that the statements had been released under fear of losing their jobs by Mustafa and some of the judges who are filling government positions.

MJA said that this presents major setbacks.

"This association believes that this raises the possibility of undue influence being exerted on future granting of awards for journalism, and present challenges in fairly judging media productions which are critical of any incumbent government. This association is further concerned about the increased questions raised against the Journalism Awards due to Anti Corruption Commission commencing an expedited investigation into the awards," they said.

"This association believes that these events may lead a reasonable individual to believe these actions are being taken due to the influence of powerful persons."

MJA went on to welcome MMC's move in publishing the scoresheets from the awards after the judges' released their statement.

The association said that it has received reports of journalists being harassed by government aligned individuals in regards to the awards.

"We condemn any acts targeting journalists in relation to their productions, and any efforts to place in question the credibility of their work."