Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) has stated that the temporary shutdown of opposition aligned broadcasting channel Raajje TV was against the Maldives Broadcasting Act.
A notice of 15 days has to be given prior to a suspension of broadcasting of a channel, according to MBC. The Corporation revealed that legal action would be taken against Raajje TV for not abiding with the Act. In 2016, Raajje TV resumed its broadcast services, after suspending it for two days.
Meanwhile, Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has stated that Raajje TV suspended its regular broadcast as the channel found itself guilty of not following the laws and regulations.
Speaking at a press briefing shortly after Raajje TV suspended its broadcast, Vice President of PPM Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the Maldivian Government has never interfered in the practices of journalism in Maldives. The Vice President of PPM cited the Government never aimed to terminate the broadcasting of Raajje TV. Abdul Raheem Abdulla said Raajje TV suspended its broadcast in an attempt to accuse the Government of narrowing press freedom in Maldives.
However, he reiterated the commitment of the administration to provide a free and fair platform in Maldives to practice freedom of expression and noted that several local television channels are operating in Maldives.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) issued a statement advising media outlets to spread true and authentic news and refrain from spreading content which may threaten national security. The statement noted that some local outlets were responsible of inciting hatred and fear in the public through live broadcast events. MNDF said legal action would be taken against such media outlets by the authorities and that the military reserves the right to shutdown such agencies without any prior warning.