The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has praised journalists for contributing to the development of the field.
In a video address on World Press Freedom Day, President of MMC Ahmed Musthafa highlighted the importance of press freedom and defending journalists and journalism from attacks. He said that World Press Freedom Day should be marked to remember journalists who have lost their lives and to determine the current level of press freedom.
Additionally, Musthafa said that MMC remains steadfast in working with journalists and media organisations to develop the field of journalism and solve the various challenges journalists face in their work. He said that journalists are still having to face hindrances including various legal bills that threaten to disempower them.
Furthermore, Musthafa said that all Maldivians should voice their support for independent journalism and denounce attacks on journalists. He said that people should work to retain the progress made in the Maldives by supporting responsible journalism. He also said that journalism will play an important role this year due to the upcoming presidential election and urged journalists and media organisations to cover the election fairly and responsibly.