Freedom must be exercised with mutual respect, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Transport Mohamed Saeed has said. He made the remarks during a press conference held at the President’s Office, in response to a question from a journalist regarding the extent of press freedom in the Maldives.
Addressing the query, Minister Saeed said that a broad scope of press freedom exists in the country. While acknowledging that media outlets are currently reporting on a wide range of issues as they see fit, he emphasised that such reporting must be carried out responsibly. He noted that while journalists have the right to report freely, individuals who are the subject of reporting also have equal rights that must be respected.
“I condemn the anonymous articles and remarks being targeted at the President and his family by certain outlets. I do not believe Maldivian journalists should stoop to that level,” Minister Saeed said.
The Minister further stated that, as a 100 per cent Muslim nation, the Maldives must understand how to uphold respect while exercising freedom. He added that in no country should individuals be allowed to hide behind anonymity to assassinate someone’s character. He also raised concerns about the broader societal impact of such actions, noting that if damaging a person’s reputation to the extent that their family struggles to appear in public is considered “freedom”, then society must reflect on its current direction.
Minister Saeed concluded by stating that there is sufficient space in the Maldives to address issues across all sectors, including social, economic and infrastructural matters. He described journalism and all platforms for freedom of expression as vital components of national development.
In addition, the Minister condemned what he described as a lack of ethical standards observed in certain public gatherings.