Broadcasting Commission has stated that the Commission will penalize media stations that brings in coverages of protests held against the Peaceful Assembly Act.

The Commission made the decision in a meeting of the Commission held on Sunday. The decision comes amid the opposition’s intention to hold a mass protest in capital Male’ city calling for the resignation of Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh.

A circular issued by the Commission stated that in the current political crisis of the nation, there were some media stations who had attempted to negate the peace and stability of the nation and create dissent promoting stories and content which seeks to destabilize the existing Government. As such, it said that some media stations had broadcast content that directly defamed and created negative perceptions of state, state agencies and institutions. The circular noted that such media stations had given live airtime to broadcast protests that were held against the Peaceful Assembly Act.

The Commission had further stated that all broadcasters must be responsible in their broadcast and content and appealed to stations to keep this in mind when conducting their broadcasts.

The Commission further warned that all media stations that violates this and broadcasts coverage of protests held against the Peaceful Assembly Act, will risk penalties and legal action.