Maldives Media Council (MMC) has urged all local media outlets to abide by the code of conduct in relaying news and information to the public.
In a press statement released on July 31, MMC said although the Constitution of the Maldives grants the right to freedom of press, this right is not granted without limits and boundaries. As such, MMC noted media outlets carry certain responsibilities when practicing the right to freedom of expression, as stipulated by the constitution.
In its statement, MMC urged media outlets to follow the press laws and regulations, and abide by the code of conduct when relaying news and information to the public. The media council also urged journalists and media outlets to verify any information that may possibly dishonor or disrepute an individual, before such information is passed on to the public.
MMC also highlighted the importance of seeking all sides of a story in order to avoid bias. The council also urged media outlets to verify the integrity of the source before information from that source is relayed to the public.