The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Moosa Manik has stated that freedom of expression and freedom of the press has spiraled out of control to the extent that it threatens to destroy Islam, the country's independence and nationalism.
Speaking on PSM News's talk show 'Raajje Miadhu', Moosa Manik, who is also the Member of Parliament for Hulhuhenveiru constituency said that when freedom of expression did not exist in the county fifteen years back, all politicians were fighting for that freedom. However, he noted that freedom of expression was granted, not for character assassination and not in a manner through which it would hurt one another. He said that today, however, the freedom has spiraled out of control.
Moosa Manik said that unlike other countries, Maldives did not attempt to solve the issues that surfaced during its transition into a democratic society, but instead, let the differences give birth to discord. He claimed that some people utilize their freedom of expression to cause bodily harm and familial discord.
Moosa Manik also responded to the West's criticism of the status of journalism in Maldives. He said that some countries that criticize Maldives have situations that are worse than Maldives, for their own media. He noted that the constitution not only grants freedom of expression the press alone, but for all Maldivian citizens.