|
Do you think I have
no rights?
11|12|2006 |
F.
Nahla
At a time, defamatory statements of both libel
and slander are often made public in the Maldives for political
reasons, it is a vital matter which needs to be addressed by the
country’s law enforcement agencies and by those whose reputation
and dignity is subject to damage or harm by such defamatory
allegations.
Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has called against
causing defamation to any person either verbally or via actions,
in a press release issued by the commission on the occasion of
the International Day of Human Rights.
In fact, the Human Rights Commission’s stand against this
undesired actions of the few which may in the future, have a
severe impact on the society and the forthcoming generations,
signifies its concern over this matter and to protect human
rights at large.
Freedom of expression or freedom of press shall not be used as a
tool to abuse other’s right to live a respectful life.
Defamatory statements published and targeted to lower a person’s
or an entity’s reputation in the eyes of right thinking members
of the society are not of exercising freedom of expression, but
of violation of human rights which shall be punished by law.
In the book of law, defamation is to publish in print, internet
(including pictures), writing or broadcast through radio,
television or film, an untruth about another which will do harm
to that person or his/her reputation, by tending to bring the
target into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others. Libel
is the written or broadcast form of defamation, distinguished
from slander, which is oral defamation. It is a tort (civil
wrong) making the person or entity (like a newspaper, magazine
or political organization) open to a lawsuit for damages by the
person who can prove the statement about him/her was a lie.
Internet sites are not exempt from any libel laws even
though some of the online publishers and editors of the internet
sites are of the opinion that internet is not at the reach of
law. As the readership of Maldivian internet sites are well
aware, among the political websites operated by Maldivians,
content of Dhivehi Observer and Fact Maldives are very much
directed to attack and degrade the reputation of individuals,
government officials, politicians and political parties for
their political views. However, false information and deceitful
statements published against the political oppositions can
either be described as a failure to accept ‘democracy’ or as a
failure to comprehend ‘democracy’. The point I wish to highlight
is that ‘DO & FACT- way’ of exercising press freedom and freedom
of expression is very much of the defamatory nature and is
subject to defamation suits.
Hence, for further protection of human rights and strengthening
measures for the protection of the human rights, we as
individuals, organizations and political parties shall refrain
from any action which may violate any of those rights. Articles
and other literal materials of the defamatory nature aimed at
creating hatred and rage in the public towards individuals and
political entities must be ceased immediately.
Why can’t those who publish defamatory allegations and
unwarranted information while claiming that they are striving
for reform, protecting human rights, to bring an end to
lawlessness and pave for peace and equality be the pattern of
what they are calling for? Do any of us has the right to violate
other’s right?
Lets not forget that we are all human beings regardless of our
different characteristics and difference of opinion!
Ends.
|
