Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has filed a complaint against Ibrahim Falah, Inguraidhoo MP and PNC Parliamentary Group Leader, after he made alarming comments calling for journalists to be "impaled" instead of jailed.

In a statement issued today, MJA condemned Falah’s remarks as deeply troubling and contrary to Islamic values.

"Such statements instill fear among journalists and media professionals, discouraging them from reporting on issues that may be sensitive or controversial. This kind of rhetoric can threaten press freedom and potentially destabilize society," the statement read.

MJA has urged the government to investigate Falah’s comments and take appropriate action.

The remarks were made during an extraordinary parliament sitting yesterday while debating the controversial “Media Regulatory Bill.” MP Falah described the bill  as important and claimed it posed no threat to responsible journalism.

However, he accused the media of spreading damaging rumors about him, including allegations about his personal life and said these had affected his family.

In a series of heated comments, MP Falah repeatedly said journalists should be impaled rather than jailed for reporting on such things. 

While MP Falah later claimed the stories originated on social media, MJA said his statements amounted to a dangerous call for violence against media personnel.

The association has also called on the ruling PNC to initiate disciplinary action against MP Falah and has urged him to publicly apologize for his comments.

MP Falah has since faced strong backlash for what many claim as incitement against journalists and a blatant attack on press freedom.