Freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits of Islam and the law, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowment Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said, in a post on social media.
In the post, the Minister stated that freedom of expression is fully guaranteed under the Constitution of the Maldives, adding that journalists in the country enjoy this freedom and that it should be protected and further strengthened. He said the Maldives should be among nations that uphold high standards of press freedom globally.
However, he emphasised that such freedom must be exercised responsibly, noting that journalism plays a crucial role in addressing injustice, unfairness and corruption in society.
The Minister described journalism as a national value that deserves recognition and protection at the state level. He warned that if press freedom is misused to harm people’s reputation and dignity, or used for defamation and bullying outside the bounds of Islam and the Constitution, it could damage society.
He further cautioned against the use of journalism as a political tool, stating that ethical and professional journalism is essential for maintaining social stability and security.
The Minister also highlighted that the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu places significant importance on press freedom. He noted that the President meets with journalists weekly to answer questions directly and encourages ministers to do the same, describing transparency and access to information as key government priorities.
In the post, the Minister expressed concern over what he described as the current conduct of some media outlets, television channels and social media accounts. He alleged that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, members of his family, as well as ministers and their families, are being targeted in ways not previously seen in the Maldives. He stated that while criticism of issues is acceptable, personal attacks and defamation are not.
“Insulting reputations, slander, defamation, the use of abusive language, and the spread of false information are all actions prohibited in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet. A person’s honour and dignity are among their greatest assets,” he said. The Minister added that protecting reputation is among the higher objectives of Islamic Sharia.
He concluded by stating that while freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, it must be exercised within Islamic and legal boundaries. He also called for recognition of responsible journalists and encouraged media work based on constructive criticism and objective thinking that serves society while preserving individual dignity.