The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has warned Channel 13 that strict action will be taken if it fails to comply with directives issued under the Broadcasting Act.

The case relates to a report aired in Channel 13’s Iraadhan programme on 30 January this year, which the Commission found to be in violation of several provisions of the broadcasting code of practice.

In a statement issued on 13 August, BroadCom directed Channel 13 to publicly apologise by airing an apology statement between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm on or before 19 August. The Commission also ordered the channel to suspend its programming for one hour during the same timeframe.

However, Channel 13 did not comply with the suspension order. BroadCom noted that failure to follow directives obstructs the Commission from carrying out its legal duties and warned that stricter measures could follow. No action has yet been taken against the broadcaster.

Channel 13 has also recently live-streamed an event organised by the People’s National Front (PNF), led by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.