Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has called to cease false accusations against journalists.

speaking at the joint-party discussions between 'The Democrats' and PPM/PNC coalition, former managing director of STO, Hussain Amr accused journalists of being biased and easily influenced by the current administration.

MJA issued a statement on Monday in response to Amr's comments, saying that various politicians have targeted journalists with baseless accusations to discredit them.

The statement read that as the Fourth Estate, the media has a responsibility to hold the administration accountable while keeping the public updated about current affairs. MJA stated that it is unacceptable that journalists are discredited for holding public officers accountable.

"We believe that people who discredit journalists do that to portray journalism as a biased and to diminish public trust in journalism," MJA stated.

MJA urged journalists to boycott press conferences where they are discredited.

"While we agree that journalists should be criticised as well, the latter shouldn't be personal. MJA will always welcome unbiased, constructive criticism towards the Fourth Estate," MJA added.

MJA further added that the lack of financial freedom for media in the Maldives has created multiple challenges for journalists in the country.

MJA also urged journalists to continue their work while upholding journalism ethics.