Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has strongly condemned the recent rise in insults and harassment directed at female journalists.
In a statement, MJA expressed concern over the increasing harassment of female journalists on various social media platforms in recent months.
The association believes such actions are deliberate tactics aimed at undermining journalists and discouraging them from carrying out their work.
MJA highlighted a recent incident involving Sangu TV journalist Fathimath Madhadha, whose photo was used in an insulting social media post following her coverage of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s events. The post attracted further derogatory comments from the public.
MJA said that similar incidents targeting other female journalists have also occurred, including Rivaaya newspaper editor Aaidhaa Abdul Hakeem facing harassment online after questioning a businessman, who later posted about her on social media. Sangu TV journalist Laisha Ahmed Zakee and Mihaaru News journalist Asima Nizar have also been harassed and threatened in response to their work on various social media platforms.
MJA strongly condemned these acts and urged all parties to refrain from engaging in such behavior.
The association said that the number of women in Maldives journalism is already low, and targeted harassment could further discourage women from entering or continuing in the field.
The statement also called on the police to take these cases seriously and take appropriate action against those responsible.