The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has issued a warning against the dissemination of unverified information and baseless accusations targeting individual journalists.
In a press release, MMC highlighted that the freedom of the press is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 28 of the Constitution of the Maldives. The council raised concerns about a growing trend of individuals utilising social media platforms to spread unverified information and make unfounded allegations against journalists.
Additionally, MMC acknowledged that journalists face various threats in the course of their work and highlighted that a significant number of recent complaints received by the council pertain to the dissemination of unverified information about individual journalists. The council emphasised that the spread of unsubstantiated accusations against journalists not only jeopardises their professional reputation but also poses a direct threat to the freedom of the press. Moreover, it undermines efforts to hold the government and other institutions accountable.
In light of these concerns, MMC called upon the public to refrain from making baseless accusations against journalists. It reiterated that the freedom of the press is protected by the Constitution and stressed that the propagation of unverified information about journalists has far-reaching consequences for credible journalism. The council further urged all individuals involved in the field of journalism to conduct their work in a responsible and ethical manner, in accordance with the law and the established code of ethics.