Foreign journalists' visas rejected ahead of Maldives elections

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 17 September 2018

Ahead of the Maldives' presidential elections, foreign journalists' visa applications have been largely denied. The IFJ criticizes these restrictions, urging for a free press.

Summary

Ahead of presidential elections in the Maldives on September 23, allegations have emerged of foreign journalists being denied visas to cover the elections.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly criticized the Maldives’ government over their handling of visas for foreign journalists and urged the government to ensure journalists, local and foreign, can freely cover the elections later this month.

On September 12, the joint opposition issued a statement expressing concerns over reports that several international journalists had had their applications for visas to cover the presidential elections rejected. The joint opposition is an alliance of the Maldivian Democratic Party, the Jumhooree Party, the Adhaalath Party, and a breakaway faction of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives.

On September 13, the Elections Commission refuted the allegation, saying that of the 37 applications received before the August 14 deadline, 11 were rejected due to insufficient documentation.

Strict requirements were set for foreign journalists wanting to cover the presidential elections including, submitting the application prior to August 14 to receive a permit from the election commission. They then had to apply to the immigration department for a business visa, which includes having a Maldivian sponsor, completing a ‘vetting form’ which includes details of employment, travel history and qualifications, as well as a police certificate.

In August 2018, the Immigration Department issued a press release stating that the elections were open to monitor by foreign media but warning foreign journalists that they would be subjected to “punitive measures” should they report on the elections without the appropriate visa.

In February 2018, the Maldives arrested and deported two AFP journalists - India’s Money Sharma and UK’s Atish Ravji Patel for reporting on the state of emergency on a tourist visa.

The joint opposition said: “The visa measures are a deliberate attempt to restrict foreign journalists from travelling to the Maldives for the election, thus reducing independent scrutiny of the vote and President Yameen’s likely attempts to steal it.”

The IFJ said: “Journalists, both local and foreign, should be guaranteed free access to cover the upcoming elections. The reports of journalist visas been rejected is a worrying sign for the media, which adds to the growing concerns over reports of increasing harassment against journalists in the lead up to the elections. The IFJ demands free and secure environment for local and foreign journalists covering the election.” – IFJ media release

KEY POINTS:

• Presidential elections in the Maldives are scheduled for September 23.
• Allegations of visa rejections for foreign journalists emerge before the elections.
• The IFJ calls for guaranteed access for local and foreign journalists.
• The Elections Commission claims rejections were due to insufficient documentation.
• Strict visa requirements have raised concerns about media freedom and scrutiny.