The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) have condemned the attack on the office of Minivan News on Thursday, September 25 in capital Male. According to Minivan News, a machete knife was lodged into the door of their office building in the afternoon shortly after a notorious gangster removed a CCTV camera from outside the building.
MJA said: “Minivan News is an established and active news organisation, and this attack is a clear attempt to threaten and intimidate journalists in the Maldives. MJA calls upon the authorities to investigate this incident with utmost urgency.†It added: “Differences with regard to content published by news organizations do not warrant vandalism and intimidation. The MJA would like to note that the Maldives has established relevant bodies mandated to hear and address such grievances.â€
These attacks follow the disappearance of popular Minivan News journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, who has been missing for 50 days. Independent investigation implicated radicalised gangs in Rilwan’s suspected abduction.
IFJ and MJA called upon all state authorities to ensure that a safe environment for journalists is established and maintained in the Maldives. IFJ Asia-Pacific deputy director, Jane Worthington, said: “This attack is clearly intended to intimidate an independent news organisation for its editorial line. It’s a lame and condemnable attempt that the Maldives government should investigate thoroughly to ensure the perpetrators are punished as soon as possible.â€
IFJ added: “The IFJ is deeply concerned with the recent decline in safety for journalist in the Maldives and we strongly urge the state to ensure journalists and media houses are protected again threats, intimidation and attacks.â€
