Raajje TV

Coordinates: 4°10′18″N 73°30′37″E / 4.1716°N 73.5104°E / 4.1716; 73.5104
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Raajje TV
Logo since 2013
CountryMaldives
Broadcast areaMaldives, South Asia
HeadquartersMalé, Maldives
Programming
Language(s)
Picture format480i SD
720i HD
1080i Full HD
2160i 4K UHD
History
LaunchedDecember 15, 2010
(13 years ago)
Former namesMalé TV
Links
Websiteraajje.mv

Raajje TV is an television channel based in the Maldives, known for its news coverage, entertainment programs, and cultural content.

Arson Attack on Raajje TV[edit]

On October 7, 2013, the channel's television station in Queen of the Night building in Malé was targeted in an arson attack.[1][2] The perpetrators reportedly used petrol bombs to set fire to the station's studios, causing significant damage to the building and equipment. There were no casualties reported.

The attack was widely condemned by local and international organizations as an assault on press freedom. Raajje TV, known for its critical coverage of the Maldivian government, had previously faced threats and intimidation due to its journalism. The attack sparked concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of media freedom in the Maldives. It was revealed in Al Jazeera's documentary Stealing Paradise that Ahmed Adeeb was involved in the attack.[3]

In April 28, 2024, An anonymous individual on Instagram issued arson and death threats against RaajjeTV’s Senior Video Journalist, Laisa Ahmed, stating intentions to "torch RaajjeTV" and specifically targeting the journalist.[4] The Maldives Police Service has initiated an investigation into the threats directed at media outlets, including RaajjeTV and Channel 13.[5]

Raajje TV Ban[edit]

Raajje TV journalist arrested by police

In 2018, Raajje TV faced a significant threat to its operations when the Maldivian government ordered its closure. The closure occurred amid a period of political turmoil in the Maldives, following the declaration of a state of emergency by then-President Abdulla Yameen.[6] The government accused Raajje TV of violating broadcasting regulations and allegedly spreading false information.[7][8]

The closure of Raajje TV was widely condemned by human rights organizations and press freedom advocates, who saw it as a blatant attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country. Despite facing government pressure and intimidation, Raajje TV continued to operate through various challenges, including legal battles and financial constraints.[9]

However, with the change in government following the presidential elections in 2018, there was a shift in the political landscape of the Maldives. The new administration, under Then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, pledged to uphold media freedom and restore democratic institutions. As a result, Raajje TV was able to resume its operations and continue its role as an independent news outlet in the Maldives.[10] [11]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Television network set on fire in the Maldives". ABC News (Australia). Agence France-Presse. 7 October 2013. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  2. ^ "TV station attacked in Maldives". CPJ. 7 October 2013. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  3. ^ "Stealing Paradise". Al Jazeera. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  4. ^ Zalif, Zunana (30 April 2024). "RaajjeTV heads to police over arson threats". Raajje TV. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  5. ^ Zalif, Zunana (1 May 2024). "Probe launched into threats against RaajjeTV, Channel 13". Raajje TV. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Ruling party leader calls for shut down of Raajje TV in the Maldives". IFJ. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  7. ^ "RaajjeTV suspends regular broadcast over threats". Raajje TV. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  8. ^ "Maldivian TV station forced to suspend broadcast fearing military crackdown". IFJ. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  9. ^ Anees, Shan (10 March 2017). "Raajje Television establishes its 'Dignity Fund'". Raajje TV. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  10. ^ Zalif, Zunana (18 October 2018). "RaajjeTV is undoubtedly the most famed channel across the nation: President-elect Solih". Raajje TV. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  11. ^ Zalif, Zunana (18 October 2018). "President-elect Solih visits RaajjeTV on Thursday". Raajje TV. Retrieved 18 October 2018.

External links[edit]

4°10′18″N 73°30′37″E / 4.1716°N 73.5104°E / 4.1716; 73.5104