Maldives Media Council (MMC) has called on all not to hinder journalists from fulfilling their mandate.

A statement released by the Council on Sunday, noted the rise in challenges against journalists from carrying out their profession. It also noted that there was observed bias against some media in relation to others.

The statement noted that journalists were the first in line in times of national crisis, reporting at great personal risk. As such, any attempts to hinder their work is unacceptable.

The statement added that it was the responsibility of the Council to maintain independence of media and investigate any attempts that hinder freedom of press.

The statement came after Broadcasting Commission warned broadcasters that they faced penalties if they broadcast any rallies that are held against the Peaceful Assembly Act.

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.