23 February 2013, Male';The Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah made the following statement in relation to lastnights attack on three journalists. "The Government condemns in strongest possible terms the attacks on the three journalists last night that has resulted in severe injuries, especially to a reporter from Raajjetv.
Freedom of media is inherently linked to freedom of expression and these are fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Maldives and the international human rights treaties the Maldives is party to. Journalists should be given the space to exercise their professional duties and any reprisals in relation to that will not be tolerated. I call on all concerned to create a political environment in the Maldives that respects human rights and one that gives protection to media personnel to exercise their duties freely and responsibly. These are basic standards a democratic society should not fall below"
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