JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 19, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
The Maldives Police arrested three journalists of opposition-aligned Raajje TV on March 16 and charged two of them with criminal offenses for allegedly uploading videos on social media which were critical of the government.
The police arrested senior video journalist Mohamed Wisam and Head of Programs Amir Saleem with court orders after the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leaders accused Raajje TV of producing and uploading the YouTube video. The video showed three masked people in police uniform saying that they would join the opposition rally. On March 18, the Criminal Court remanded Wisam and Saleem for ten days in custody.
Journalist Mohamed Fazeen was arrested on allegations of defying police orders during the opposition parties’ protest demonstrations in Male. He was handcuffed and taken into custody by traffic police. Fazeen was released on March 17 after more than 24 hours in detention.
Raajje TV denied that the station or its staff was involved in making or uploading the video. Following the accusations and calls by the PPM to shut down the station on March 16 and 17, the station has also received several threats of an arson attack and has sought police protection.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed serious concerns over the incidents of arrest of journalists; and accusations without evidence of carrying out illegal activities. The IFJ also condemned threats of an arson attack on the station and demanded that the journalists be released immediately, and security ensured to protect the television station from any attack.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is seriously concerned by the pressure on independent media in the Maldives since the imposition of the state of emergency on February 5. Press freedom has suffered as journalists have been subjected to harassment, and opposition media have been baselessly blamed for supporting protests. The IFJ urges the Maldivian government to respect press freedom and ensure that journalists and media can freely report on happenings of the country without fear of reprisal.”
The IFJ has joined the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee of Protect Journalists (CPJ) to express grave concerns on ongoing restrictions and threats on media and press freedom in the Maldives and called on authorities to allow media to carry out work without reprisal. – IFJ media release
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.