Broadcasting Commission sanctions Channel 13 and issues warning to Rajje TV

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BCC) has ordered Channel 13 to suspend its broadcast for a two-hour period tomorrow for violating the national Code of Practice for broadcasters.

According to the Commission, the sanction relates to content aired during a live episode of the People's National Front (PNF)'s program "The Front Office" on April 17 last year. The BCC stated that the content violated broadcasting standards, prompting disciplinary action.

As a result, Channel 13 must suspend its broadcast between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. tomorrow.

In a separate case, the Commission has issued an official warning to Rajje TV over content aired during the MDP's emergency rally held on March 12. The BCC noted that the broadcast included material that violated the dignity and rights of children, which triggered an investigation.

The Commission emphasized that Rajje TV had breached established guidelines regarding the protection of children in broadcasting. It warned that any recurrence could result in stricter penalties, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.

The warning follows controversial remarks made during the rally by MDP member Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy), referring to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s eldest son. The remarks led First Lady Sajidha Mohamed to file a defamation case in Civil Court, which ruled that the comments had harmed the child’s reputation.