“Pluralism is the essence of democracy,” MJA tells MDP

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) told the ruling MDP that it should know “pluralism is the essence of democracy” after the party blocked the opposition-leaning Dhi TV from covering a MDP meeting.

“Last night [March 8] a crew of the opposition-leaning private television station DhiTV was forced to leave a General Meeting of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party held at the Lale International School in Hulhumale,” a statement said.

“It is worrying that ruling party members do not understand that pluralism is the essence of democracy, and that, such threats against the independence and diversity of the media only serve to blatantly expose the lack of democratic credentials in senior ruling party members,” the Association said.

It also “expressed concern over MDP senior officials intimidating the private media at public meetings of the ruling party and press conferences.”

It strongly condemned “all such acts by ruling party officials and members against democracy and press freedom in Maldives.”

- Asian Tribune -