demonstrations. Often, in these rallies and demonstrations the activists address the demonstrators in foul language which is inappropriate for broadcasting. HRCM was informed by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission that the Commission had tried to come to terms with those media to censor such addresses by using a delay of few seconds. At times, some broadcasters have complied with the request, however, other broadcasters have been refusing to use delay and Maldives Broadcasting Commission has been unable to resolve this issue till date. 144. The State must take necessary actions to ensure that the media respect the accepted norms and values of the society. The State must take measures to prevent media from inciting hatred, intolerance and violence. Attacks on Journalists and Media 145. Lately in Maldives, politically charged and gang related violence against journalists and media out lets has become a major issue. Media outlets and journalists have informed the authorities that they have been receiving threats by activists as well as political figures; intimidating them to cease dissemination of news and reports which discredit them. Politicians often publicly criticize media in ways that could arouse public hatred towards journalists as well as media outlets. Within the last two years, a reporter and a newspaper technician were attacked and injured by unknown assailants, two media channels were vandalized by a group of unidentified persons and several journalists summoned to police headquarters for questioning regarding sources, etc. Below are some identified incidences of violence against journalists and violations of freedom of expression. b) On March 19, 2012, protesters of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) attacked VTV smashing the glasses of VTV building and MJA reported that staff of VTV were harassed and injured. During the same protest, a videographer of “Haveeru” daily, one of the leading newspapers in the country, was attacked by the protesters, by snatching his press card and smashing his camera.48 c) On February 6, 2012, group of people forced themselves into VTV (a private TV station) which was broadcasting live footages of clashes between the then ruling MDP and oppositions. The group destroyed equipments of the TV station and put the station on fire. Journalists who were in the field covering the clash got attacked and injured by the protesters.49 Chapter: Article 19: Freedom of Expression a) On June 4, 2012, a journalist and blogger was stabbed in the neck near his house in Male’ by an unidentified person. 47 54