MJA raps Reeko over media bashing

The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) blamed ruling Maldivian Democratic Party Parliamentary group Leader Reeoko Moosa over his repeated attempts to suppress the media.
On August 17, Manik blamed the private television Villa TV over alleged false news story related to the ruling party, and vowed action against it.
But the MJA said with an “independent media regulatory board named Media Council” in place there is “no authority for the government or MDP to regulate media.”
The MJA argued that Manik is trying to assume the role of a media watchdog, and instead urged him to respect the due process.
The association condemning his statement as an attempt to “violate free media”Previously, Manik interrupted the work Zeena Zahir, a video journalist of VTV, while she was working near the committee room 2 of the parliament building, asking her to leave the area.
Zeena was working there with Parliament’s permission.
“He has also repeatedly threatened journalists and media organisations addressing at MDP rallies, inciting public hatred against journalism,” the MJA said.
“These statements have also promoted persecution and violent attacks against journalists,” it added. ( Asian Tribune )