The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has formalised its regulatory boundaries, explicitly stating it lacks jurisdiction to intervene in active criminal investigations. This clarification, issued following controversy regarding a documentary recently published by a local online outlet, stipulates that administrative actions against media organisations will proceed only after a transparent inquiry.
To streamline oversight, the commission established a regulatory framework to address grievances concerning published materials. This codified structure allows entities to lodge formal complaints directly with the body, which follows protocols outlining disciplinary measures for journalists and broadcasters. Saniyya Hussain, the commission’s senior legal officer, detailed these procedures during a programme aired on PSM News.
“Prior to reaching any conclusions, we will comprehensively evaluate a range of factors,” she said. She further explained that the process begins with a detailed review of the content in question, followed by consultations with relevant authorities where necessary. “Following this review, we will seek assistance from relevant agencies to clarify details and determine whether any ethical codes have been breached,” she said.
She added that any disciplinary measures would be proportionate to the severity of the violation, and emphasised that action would only be taken after a thorough investigation.
Under these protocols, the commission must deliver a ruling within a 30-day window. While committed to administrative oversight, the commission delineated that it cannot oversee investigations managed by the Maldives Police Service. It underscored that press freedom remains a constitutional liberty it is legally mandated to safeguard.