Will ensure right to information: President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said today that the government will always ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and access to information, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said today.

In his address on the occasion of the Press Freedom Day, the President said it is the responsibility of every journalist and every news agency to work towards a brighter future in the light of the lessons learned from the past. The President said the government will always work to maintain the freedom of journalism in Maldives.

“...The government will always guarantee freedom of expression and access to information to every individual,” he said.

According to the President, the right to access information is closely linked to the right to freedom of the press. The President stated that with the introduction of modern technology and the internet, these rights have expanded greatly.

The means of access to information and dissemination of information have increased many times over and there is greater demand from the public for accurate and comprehensive information, he said.

The President highlighted the important role of journalists in finding solutions to societal problems during the Press Freedom Day celebration. He emphasized that journalists have a huge responsibility in shaping social, political, and economic changes in the country.

“This is why the free press is referred to as the fourth power of the state,” he said.

The President highlighted that the progress made by journalists in disseminating information is also a significant factor in the progress towards democracy. He emphasized that the media played a crucial role in creating awareness among the people, which was the main force behind ensuring the basic rights of the people through the legal framework.

The people voicing their rights because of freedom of expression are also an indication of the progress made in democracy, he said.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on May 3. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designating a special day to be celebrated internationally as Press Freedom Day.