MJA files Police complaint over threats against journalists covering Rasmalé project

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has filed an urgent complaint with the Maldives Police Service over alleged threats, harassment and online abuse targeting journalists who travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a media tour organised by Rasmalé developer Eagle Hills.

In a letter to Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, the association called for an investigation into those behind the online campaigns and requested immediate security assessments and adequate protection for the affected journalists and their families.

According to the MJA, photographs of the journalists have been circulated on social media alongside videos allegedly intended to incite hostility against them.

The association said the journalists had faced verbal abuse, with some being labelled “traitors”, “Zionists” and “Jews”, as well as harassment over their reporting from Dubai.

The MJA said the online attacks had escalated to threats of physical violence, injury and death, raising concerns about the safety of the journalists and their families.

The association stressed that journalists work according to the editorial policies and standards of their respective media organisations and should not be subjected to personal attacks for carrying out their professional duties. It also noted that online harassment targeting media professionals had been increasing even before the journalists travelled to the UAE.

MJA President Naaif Ahmed condemned the attacks and urged police to act swiftly.

He added that disagreements over editorial positions should not lead to targeted harassment or threats, urging police to treat the complaint as a priority, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the immediate protection of the journalists concerned.

Alongside its appeal to police, the MJA called on media organisations and their editorial leadership to maintain a clear distinction between sponsored content and independent news reporting and commentary.

Citing the Journalists' Code of Ethics, the association stressed the importance of editorial independence and transparent labelling of sponsored or promotional material, warning that commercial arrangements should not undermine public trust or expose journalists to risks.

The MJA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists and urged the public to refrain from actions that threaten media professionals carrying out their duties.