Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Tuesday that Maldivian journalists today are the most “courageous” that the country has ever seen.
Nasheed said this in a tweet he sent out on the occasion of Press Freedom Day.
He also praised Maldivian journalists for overcoming the “terror” they now face.
While Press Freedom Day is being celebrating throughout the world, many have criticized Maldives for suppressing the rights of journalists.
Nasheed was a writer for the local magazine Sangu in the early 90s. His articles criticizing the then government landed him in prison several times.
He is now serving a 13-year prison sentence on terrorism charges for arresting and detaining former Criminal Court Judge, Abdulla Mohamed, during his tenure.
The ex-president is currently in the UK on medical release.