The Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has begun investigating a case where autistic children were mocked on a program broadcast by "Raajje TV".

The comments were made during a political discussion on Raajje TV's "Kaalaa Baisa" program last night. The program featured presenter Hussain Rameez, along with former MP for Nolhivaram constituency Mohamed Nasheed Abdullah (Mosta) and Ahmed Fayaz Ali (Papa), a senior member of the People's National Front (PNF).

In a statement released today, BroadCom said that it has come to their attention that content was broadcast that contradicts the "special protection for children, adolescents, the elderly, and people with special needs" as stated in the Constitution, as well as the Code of Practice and Guidelines established under the Broadcasting Act.

"We inform all broadcasters that the Commission has full jurisdiction to investigate such content and take all necessary measures to correct them, and that we will take the strictest action allowed by law on such content that comes to the Commission's attention or is submitted," the Broadcom statement said.

BroadCom said it also appeals to broadcasters to respect the Constitution and all laws in effect in the Maldives, and to produce content that does not harm anyone's dignity or reputation.

The comments mocking autistic children made on the Raajje TV program have been receiving widespread criticism aimed at the channel and the program participants.