President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated a free media that functions without fear and favour are crucial during crisis situations. The president made the statement in a tweet sent to convey greetings of the World Press Freedom Day to all journalists of the Maldives.
President Solih said the role of journalists is crucial in crises like COVID-19, where misinformation could negatively affect public well-being. Noting a free media that functions without fear and favour are crucial during such situations, the president assured the commitment of the government to uphold press freedom in the Maldives.
The Maldives has taken significant strides in press freedom during recent years. As such, the Maldives climbed 19 levels in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders this year, compared to 2019. The country is currently placed 79th in the index.