Local leading Cable TV provider Medianet has settled the fine of MVR 500,000 imposed on Medianet over broadcasting the Al-Jazeera expose “Stealing Maldives”, a documentary exposing mass corruption, international money laundering and abuse of power in the Maldives.
Broadcasting Commission’s Secretary General Mohamed Nasih announced late Saturday that Medianet settled the penalty last Thursday.
In addition to the fine, which was imposed for broadcasting content deemed dangerous to national security, Broadcasting Commission has also demanded Medianet to release a statement of apology. However, the Cable TV provider is yet to issue any such statements.
Prior to Al-Jazeera’s broadcast date of “Stealing Paradise”, the commission had issued warnings to broadcasters, urging caution when it comes to airing such content.
The documentary spearheaded by Al-Jazeera’s investigative journalist Will Jordan lays several major accusations on President Abdulla Yameen, which the government has rebuffed. The expose focuses mainly on text messages found on jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adheeb’s mobile phone, documents, and interviews of Adheeb’s close associates. One of the major accusations in the documentary is of the government’s involvement in money laundering, while the documentary also alleges that President Yameen was behind the jail sentence of 13 years issued on convicted former President Mohamed Nasheed.
“Stealing Paradise” has won two international awards.
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