Maldives Journalists File Police Case After Majority Leader Calls for Reporters to Be “Brutally Executed”

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has officially lodged a case with Maldives Police following shocking remarks made in Parliament by PNC Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah, who called for journalists to be “brutally executed.”

The inflammatory statement sparked outrage across the media community, with journalists and press freedom advocates condemning it as a direct threat to the safety of reporters.

“Inciting violence against the press is unacceptable and must be addressed,” the MJA said in a statement posted on social media after filing the case.

Media watchdogs, both local and international, have long warned that growing hostility toward independent journalism in the Maldives threatens democracy and public accountability. Falah’s remarks have further fueled fears of escalating crackdowns on free expression under the current administration.

The police are now expected to investigate the complaint, though no official response has yet been made public.

The MJA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists and holding leaders accountable, calling on the government to reject any rhetoric or policy that endangers press freedom.