:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

World Press Freedom Day - 3rd May

Message from the Maldivian Democratic Party

To day is the world press freedom day and our freedom of expression remains suppressed. The government of Maldives remains adamant to block and ban all independent web sites. It continues to own and regulate all radio, television broadcast and daily newspapers. The government of Maldives is prolonging the arrest and detention of many journalists including the writers of the internet magazine Sandhaanu. It keeps harassing and arm twisting writers and journalists. Its regulations on publishing any thought makes writing and publishing , may it be fiction or journalism, practically impossible. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) calls upon the Government of Maldives to release all artists and writers, including, Mohamed Zaki, Ahamed Didi, Fathmath Nisreen and Naushad Waheed. The MDP further require the government to substantially reform its censorship laws and regulations. The MDP particularly insists the government to abolish the censorship and text approval functions of the present Public Examination Board and breach of law be contested in open court.

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