The Broadcasting Commission of Maldives (BroadCom) issued an order last month for Channel 13 to cease broadcasting for a specified period on a Thursday evening.
This directive followed an investigation into the channel's program, "Iraadhan Khabaru," aired on January 30 of this year. BroadCom stated that their examination concluded the broadcast violated the Broadcasting Code of Practice.
As a result, BroadCom mandated Channel 13 to suspend its program schedule from 20:00 to 21:00 on this Thursday evening and to issue an apology. However, Channel 13 reportedly continued its live broadcast during the ordered suspension time, covering live preparations for a rally involving former President Abdullah Yameen.
It is noteworthy that the order to halt broadcasting for an hour was issued last month, while the announcement of Yameen's rally occurred this month.
Channel 13 is recognized for its political content and its promotion of Yameen's ideology. The channel has faced previous bans and fines from BroadCom during the preceding administration.