The President’s Office has lodged 75 cases with the Maldives Media Council (MMC), accusing local media outlets of spreading misinformation and engaging in false reporting. The MMC, an independent institution responsible for overseeing online media content, now faces an influx of complaints from government offices and institutions.
On 31 July, the commission informed the Independent Institutions Committee of parliament that the majority of this year’s cases originated from government entities. In response, local media outlet Adhadhu submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to the President’s Office, seeking clarification on the number of cases filed with the MMC.
The President’s Office confirmed that, as of 31 July, it had filed 75 cases against local media outlets, alleging the dissemination of misinformation. According to the RTI answer provided to the local media, these cases pertain to both media organisations and individuals who have allegedly spread factually incorrect information.
“The cases filed with the [Maldives] Media Council are related to media and persons who allegedly spread misinformation and reports based on factually incorrect information,” the President’s Office clarified. The President’s Office also emphasised its commitment to reporting instances where the media misleads the public or threatens societal peace and harmony.
Recently, the MMC convened a meeting with officials from the President’s Office to address the surge in cases. Representing the highest office of the executive branch was Under Secretary for Legal Affairs Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel. While the MMC acknowledged the meeting, neither it nor the President’s Office disclosed specific details of their discussions.
This year’s caseload marks a sharp divergence from the previous year, with government offices now accounting for a staggering 94 percent of all complaints filed with the MMC, a stark contrast to the mere six percent reported last year, according to the commission. The MMC has investigated and resolved 30 cases filed by government entities as of 31 July, though specific details remain undisclosed.
