Raaje TV has issued an apology after guests on one of its programs made controversial comments that seemed offensive to children with autism and children born with Down syndrome.
The comments were made on Raaje TV's "Kaalaabaisa" program, where former Colonel Ahmed Fayaz and former MP for Nolhivaram Constituency Mohamed Nasheed Abdullah joined host Hussain Rameez.
They were talking about President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu allegedly threatening a news reporter. Fayaz commented that the President must be autistic not to realize that his alleged call would not be recorded by the reporter.
To this, Nasheed chimed in, saying that not only did the President have autism, he must have Down syndrome too.
Many viewed these comments as offensive to individuals with autism and Down Syndrome and their parents as well. This included former Vice President Faisal Naseem, who said that using people's disability to make examples is not acceptable.
In a short statement, Raaje TV pointed out phrases that have been criticized and said that it apologizes to anyone who is expressing concern over the phrase that it was seen as demeaning to autistic children.
