JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 09, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) have expressed serious concern over the state of press freedom following the declaration of a state of emergency in the Maldives on Wednesday, November 4. The IFJ and the MJA urged the Maldivian government to guarantee a free environment for media operations; and refrain from harassing media and journalists during the 30-day state of emergency.
On November 6, the Maldivian police raided Sangu TV, a private television station, in connection with a YouTube video allegedly threatening President Abdulla Yameen and removed every computer hard disc and the company’s archive system, which ultimately forced the station to stop its broadcasting. The YouTube video showed three masked men issuing a death threat against the president; and police suspected the video was uploaded from the TV station, a claim that the Sangu TV denied.
In a separate incident on November 6, pro-opposition Raajje TV suspended coverage of political affairs stating that ‘the threat to freedom of expression and freedom of the media has been immense’ after the declaration of emergency. A journalist of Raajje TV was also briefly detained on November 6, with videos and photos of the arrest going viral on the Internet; however the police denied his detention.
‘We have no choice but to suspend our normal coverage tonight… because we are no longer able to report without fear,” said Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the chief operating officer of Raajje TV, said. Moosa was detained for a day along with two other journalists on November 2. Rajje TV would only broadcast songs during prime time news slot to ‘protect the staff’. On the evening of November 8, Rajje TV went back on air.
After the declaration of the state of emergency, the Maldives Broadcast Commission (MBC), a regulatory body instituted to defend and protect the rights of the broadcasters, said it would revoke the licenses of any radio or TV outlet that airs content which poses a threat to national security.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is deeply concerned regarding the state of media freedom in the Maldives following the declaration of the state of emergency. The subsequent attacks on media houses and press freedom have raised grave concerns for the government’s support for press freedom in the Maldives. The current situation facing the country’s media is creating an environment impossible to exercise the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.”
The IFJ added: “We urge the Maldivian government to immediately guarantee press freedom and freedom of expression across the country and ensure the country’s media are free to report with fear of attack or retribution.” - IFJ
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.