Heena Says Government Can Be Criticised Without Defamation

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Arts Minister Heena Waleed has said the government can be held accountable without resorting to personal attacks, false accusations, or defamation.

Heena made the remarks in a post shared on X following the sentencing of two journalists to jail yesterday on contempt of court charges.

In her statement, Heena said press freedom and freedom of expression are not being restricted in the Maldives, adding that people continue to openly criticise and question President Mohamed Muizzu.

She stated that journalists are not jailed simply for questioning the President and said they remain free to ask any questions they wish. However, she noted that a court issued gag order remains in place and cannot be violated by the President.

Heena further claimed that false accusations and attacks on politicians for political purposes are increasingly common, describing the trend as spreading rapidly.

She also stressed that laws in the Maldives would continue to be enforced and action would be taken against individuals who violate them.

Concluding her remarks, Heena said journalists can continue to criticise the government while avoiding personal attacks, falsehoods, and defamatory statements.