Although Maldives has a free press, thousands of journalists are in prison elsewhere in the world- Pres.
 

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that though Maldives has a free press, thousands of journalists are in prison elsewhere in the world.

In his keynote address at the ceremony held at Dharubaaruge last night to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2011, President Nasheed said that in countries where there are widespread press censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression, journalists are restricted and repressed.

The President said that with the implementation of the new Constitution, Maldives do not have any journalists in prison and do not intend to have any journalists in prison.

President Nasheed said he is happy with the manner the public and private media have been operating. He said the country’s success will depend largely on how the media operates.

Miadhu Daily Editor, Abdul Latheef who also spoke at the function said this is an important day on which Maldivian press need to reflect on their achievements and challenges.

He said that this is the first year that the Maldivian journalists are given the assurance of freedom of communication and expression “without a court warrant.”

“Up until today journalists have been under fear of being gagged and harassed. We have been assured by the Court ruling with the efforts of Miadhu Daily that we do not have to take responsibility of that which we write based on the reports on independent institutions such as the Auditor General’s Office and Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.