Ihusan urges against spreading rumors about sensitive cases

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has today raised concerns about the spreading of unverified information and rumours regarding sensitive cases.

In today's parliament sitting, MP for West Maafannu Musthafa Ibrahim asked for Ihusan's opinion on taking action against those who spread falsehoods under the guise of journalism.

In response, Ihusan said that it is not the policy of this government to in any way obstruct press freedom.

However, he added that it is deeply concerning that unverified and false news is being spread regarding sensitive cases.

Ihusan said that when misinformation is spread in this manner, actual facts disclosed after completing police investigations become sidelined. This results in the public already having made up their minds about an incident, regardless of facts.

He said that this affects the victims, and the victims' families dignity and reputation.

The Minister's comments come at a time when there is heavy speculation on social media regarding an incident on Friday where a woman was found fallen onto the roof of a warehouse from an adjacent building.

Police held a closed press briefing last night to share some information regarding the incident. However, many harbour doubts regarding the veracity of the information shared by police.

Ihusan did not specifically indicate that he was speaking about this case.

Minority Leader Ibrahim Nazil questioned Ihusan about the investigation into the case, but Ihusan did not respond citing it is outside the remits of the topic on agenda today.