Malé, Maldives – Maldives Media Council on Thursday, advised local media to take caution and obey the rules and regulations when reporting on foreign envoys and diplomats.
Maldives Media Council is currently investigating a report published by “Dhiyares” news about the Deputy Indian High Commissioner. MMC stated that they have been repeatedly receiving complaints from several authorities that some media are publishing articles that affect the reputation and prestige of some foreign diplomats.
The council noted that such articles which affect the security and reputation of foreign missions are not at all acceptable. They added that such actions affect the foreign relations of the country with other nations and that they incite hatred among the citizens.
In addition to this, MMC advised all media to take into account the rules and regulations set by the right to journalism such that the articles do not violate any of the international agreements the country has participated in.
Indian High Commission recently sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry of Maldives stating that “such repeated attacks on the dignity of the High Commission, the Head of the Mission and members of the diplomatic staff can affect the efficient performance of the functions of the High Commission and can damage the time-tested and mutually beneficial bilateral relations between India and the Maldives.”
Additionally, the Commission expressed their opinion that these repeated attacks are undertaken to create enmity and hatred between the people and the Government of Maldives and the people and Government of India. They added that the articles and social media posts are attempts to incite hatred and violence against India, the High Commission and members of its diplomatic staff.
