By Henry D Gombya

The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has vowed to do everything in its power to defend the rights of its colleagues in the Maldives following a coup d’état last week that overthrew the government of President Mohammed Nasheed. In her first statement on world affairs since being elected CJA President last weekend in St Julian’s, Malta, Rita Payne urged the new Maldives government to respect the right of Maldivian journalists to carry out their duties without being intimidated.

A report sent to the CJA by the Maldives Journalists Association last week said their members were being threatened and harassed for reporting on the current crisis. It alleged that TV stations were being penalised for airing opposition politician’s comments. In her statement, Mrs Payne said: “…we will not stay silent if our brothers and sisters in Commonwealth journalism are endangered.” She said on a recent visit to the Maldives, it had been apparent to her that Maldivian journalists were under pressure from media owners, political parties and powerful business interests. “As CJA President, I urge the new authorities to protect journalists and create a climate where they will be able to report freely without fear of repercussion,” she said.

Almost a week since President Nasheed was ousted and quickly replaced by his Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the situation in the Maldives is still fluid. A couple of days ago, the country’s criminal court had ordered the arrest of Mr Nasheed who then quickly went into hiding. But the court order seems to have been rescinded by Dr Waheed Manik after several Western countries voiced their displeasure. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office sent a message to the new leaders advising against Mr Nasheed’s arrest.

In a televised address last Tuesday, Mr Nasheed said he had decided to resign from office saying he feared his continued hold onto power would only increase problems and hurt the Maldivian people. His resignation was precipitated by a three-week opposition protest which was later joined by a police mutiny. But he later changed his reason for stepping down claiming he had been held at gunpoint by security personnel who forced him to resign or face a bloody exit. The protest had been called last month after Nasheed ordered the military to arrest Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed for releasing the deputy leader of the Dhivehi Quamee Party, Mr Mohamed Jameel Mohamed who had allegedly slandered Nasheed.