MJA Condemns Majority Leader Falah’s Call to “Impale” Journalists

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has condemned the threatening remarks made by Parliamentary Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah on the floor of Parliament yesterday during debate on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.

In a statement released on X, MJA described Falah’s comments — calling for the “impalement” of journalists — as dangerous incitement to violence against the media. The association said such rhetoric poses a grave threat to journalists’ safety and undermines democratic principles of free speech and press freedom.

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MJA called on the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) to take immediate disciplinary action against Falah and demanded that he issue an unreserved public apology. The association pledged to continue defending press freedom in the Maldives against such threats.

MJA Condemns Majority Leader Falah’s Call to ‘Impale’ Journalists

MJA unequivocally condemns the threatening and inciteful statements made today by Parliamentary Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah on the floor of Parliament.

During the debate on the media control bill, Mr. Falah… pic.twitter.com/8QA3smllx7— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) August 27, 2025

Falah made the comments during an out-of-term sitting of Parliament, in which he spoke in support of the controversial bill. Citing personal grievances, he claimed he had previously been targeted by false reports, including allegations of homosexual relationships using images of lookalikes.

“Is this how the media works, Speaker? When the media works at this level, we should not be putting them in prison, we should be impaling them. Impaling them!” he said.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also issued a statement “vehemently” condemning Falah’s call, describing it as a violation of fundamental human rights and press freedom, and “a disturbingly cruel and inhumane suggestion”. The party urged the government to uphold constitutional rights and democratic values.

Additionally, public calls on social media have urged the PNC to remove Falah from his post as Majority Leader. 

@pnc_secretariat Should apologize for the violent remarks made from their PG Leader and immediately remove him from his position. Clearly he is too emotionally immature and unstable to fulfill such a role that requires professionalism and dispassionate. https://t.co/5HfL43cnX9— Tobi | طيب (@ThoyyibHussain) August 28, 2025

 “PNC should apologise for the violent remarks made by their PG Leader and immediately remove him from his position. Clearly, he is too emotionally immature and unstable to fulfil such a role that requires professionalism and dispassionate conduct,” one X user said.