RaajjeTV has said that its staff will "reject material benefits that would create doubt or prejudice in the public."
The station made the statement in a letter sent to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bader Al Alkahail on Sunday, after journalists covering an event at the Embassy were given "cash gifts."
On Sunday afternoon, the Saudi Embassy in the capital Male' City, held an event to celebrate the accomplishment of a 14-year-old autistic boy- Al Hafiz Ahmed Nabeeh- who had memorized the entire Quran by heart, within a span of three months. After the event, journalists were taken aside and handed envelopes without revealing the contents inside. The journalists discovered that they were given MVR 500 only after they left the Embassy.
READ MORE: Journalists given cash "gifts" at Saudi Embassy event
Noting that the station was pleased to be given the opportunity cover the event held to recognize and encourage a young Maldivian, RaajjeTV said that it was "surprised" to learn that its journalists covering the event were given money afterwards.
Returning the MVR 1000 its two employees got for covering the event, the station emphasized that they were there to cover an event and thus "not entitled to any benefits or favors from the organizers."
RaajjeTV said that it is "strictly prohibited" for its staff members to accept "gifts of any kind," adding that the two members covering the event had immediately declared it upon return to the station.
"RaajjeTV would like to stress that the station and its journalists will, at all times, reject material benefits that would create doubt or prejudice in the public," reads the letter.
Maldives does not have a code of conduct for journalists to follow, in accepting such "gifts".
While providing refreshments for all at events, including journalists, is a norm in the Maldives, handing out money is not something that is practiced. However, since former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's presidency, journalists who travel with the President are given a certain allowance.
