Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the obstruction of press freedom marks the beginning of autocracy.
Addressing the function held to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Maldivian Journalism, the home minister said one of the basic values of sustaining a democratic rule is freedom of press. Vowing the administration would abolish all obstacles to press freedom, the minister said the biggest responsibility in keeping the government accountable would be shouldered by the media in the five year term of the administration.
Stating the previous administration had supressed journalism in the country, the minister said the obstruction of press freedom marks the beginning of oppression of people, the misappropriation of public funds and corruption. He vowed the administration would abolish the practice of journalists having to face jail time, hefty fines and pepper spray. He appealed journalists to uphold general discipline, prioritise the use of Dhivehi language and national interest.