Maldives Media Council MMC has called on authorities to refrain from impeding the work of the media.
In a statement, MMC said authorities were seen hindering the work of reporters during the recent protests and demonstrations held in the country recently.
It also noted that police had discriminated between media during the recent police operation in Baa Atoll Bodufinolhu.
MMC also said during the protests held by the opposition on the 26th of this month, media have complained that the police had thwarted their coverage of the demonstrations.
It said that this included pushing back journalists and photographers beyond the sight of the protests and other obstructions that prevented the reporters from covering the opposition demonstrations.
Citing the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, MMC said the police had no legal authority to impede the work of the media during demonstrations.
MMC called on authorities to refrain from thwarting the work of media and giving equal opportunities to the media for coverage to ensure that the public is afforded the chance to obtain the most accurate information and news.
MMC noted that it is its legal responsibility to ensure that all media organizations are given equal opportunities for new coverage and would not tolerate any hindrance to the media from any government and state institution.
Maldives Media Council also called on the media to act within the boundaries of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act while covering demonstrations and to abide by the guidelines set by the Broadcasting Commission for media.
MMC also reminded journalists to carry Broadcasting Commission sanctioned accreditations while covering protests and demonstrations.
