MJA to Investigate Alleged Police Assault of Journalist in Hulhumalé Phase II
Aerial photo of Hulhumalé Phase II. | Photo credit: MV+
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has launched an investigation into an alleged incident involving police assault on a photojournalist from One Online in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
In a statement, MJA confirmed that the case had been brought to its attention and that it was looking into the matter.
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“We are investigating what occurred regarding the case of police assault on a photojournalist of One Online that has come to the attention of this organisation. The organisation recommends that journalists follow general ethical standards and obtain the necessary permissions per the regulations…” the statement read.
🔔ވަން އޮންލައިންގެ ފޮޓޯ ޖާނަލިސްޓަކަށް ފުލުހުން އަނިޔާކުރި ކަމަށް ބުނާ މައްސަލައެއް މި ޖަމްއިއްޔާގެ ސަމާލުކަމަށް އައިސްފައި ވާތީ އެކަމުގައި ކަން ހިނގާފައިވާ ގޮތް މި އަންނަނީ ބަލަމުން. pic.twitter.com/jfitiMWzTJ— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) May 23, 2025
According to a public Facebook post by the journalist involved, the incident occurred while he was inspecting a drone after climbing to a height of approximately seven feet. He stated that two police officers approached him shortly after and asked whether he had permission to operate the drone. When he responded that he did not, the officers instructed him to lower it immediately and asked to be notified when permission was obtained.
The journalist further alleged that the officers refused to accept his identification card when presented from his wallet and began using abusive language despite being informed that he was a journalist. He claimed he was then taken to the Hulhumalé Phase 2 police station, where he was assaulted in the mess room, including being struck in the face and strangled.
A portion of the exchange between the journalist and the police was live-streamed on Facebook, during which both parties could be heard using abusive language.
Responding to the claims, police told the media: “We are investigating the situation, and based on the findings up to this point, it seems improbable that any such incident occurred.”
The MJA reiterated its call for media workers to follow the general code of conduct and ensure compliance with legal requirements, particularly when using equipment such as drones.
