Raajje TV burns - blow to freedom of expression in the Maldives

Raajje TV, the first 'news only' channel broadcast in the Maldives burns to ashes early hours this morning after terrorists attack on the establishment. Masked men have been reported seen entering the 'Queen of the Night" building where the TV station main office was located. Masked terror men entered the station setting it on fire after stabbing the duty security guard in the back.

All broadcast equipments, transmission equipments, computer systems fully burnt & destroyed.

— RaajjeTV (@Raajje_tv) October 7, 2013

Raajje TV reports that the entire station has been destroyed by the fire, all its equipment worth million dollars have been damaged and are in no-working condition. The attack comes at a time when the station has asked authorities to investigate threats that had been made against the station.

Nurahkaa theri inzaaru thah libeythee dheven oiy konme ehee eh dhinumah edhi fuluhunah raajjetv in engee rey iraakolhu.

— RaajjeTV (@Raajje_tv) October 7, 2013

Raajje TV reported that after receiving dangerous threats, the station requested Police Services last night to provide them with whatever assistance they could.   

The cowardly act against the establishment is seen as a blow to freedom of expression and democracy in the country. 

This is not the first attempt made to shutdown the station, previously its News Head Ibrahim ASWAD Waheed had been brutally attack hospitalizing the journalist, is cables had been cut off, Police has on many occasions stopped providing security as well as support and cooperation with the establishment, while journalists working with Raajje TV has repeatedly been harassed and given death threats.

The fear continues for freedom of thought n expression in the country with violent elements being backed by political actors in the Maldives

— Maeed M. Zahir (@maeed) October 7, 2013

Raajje TV maintains close coverage and brings up to date activity of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which has gained the station popularity among MDP fans and those supporting the Former (ousted) President Mohamed Nasheed.

I strongly condemn this low and cowardly act against the Independent Private Broadcaster. Call for immediate investigation and action from all concerned authorities.