Censorship and Bias 139. Ratification of the RTI bill would not solve the problems faced by media. There are other factors which affect the freedom of expression; media generally depends on advertisers who try and influence the information disseminated to the public. Although, there are newspapers and broadcasters which are not State‐controlled, most are run by politicians who control and influence the contents produced. Self‐censorship is very common in Maldivian media. Most of the newspapers and media outlets are biased towards or against the ruling government. 140. Most of the journalists as well as persons working at all levels of the media are of the opinion that private media can and have the right to be biased. Expressing their view on this issue to HRCM some media persons stressed that self‐censorship and bias is not at all an issue. Furthermore, the media are of the opinion that only those who support their political ideology would and should watch or receive the information they provide. 141. The State must promote an independent and responsible media with an environment free from political control and pressure. 142. Though media have a responsibility to help strengthen and support democratic process, sometimes the media of Maldives misuse the freedom guaranteed in the Constitution (Article 28) and propagate baseless information to the public, which trigger unrest or violence in the country. Often media tend to forget the responsibilities and duties bestowed upon every citizen in the Constitution (Article 67). A devastating incident happened when a private TV station disseminated unverified information which alleged that a protester was killed by law enforcement officials, in the Capital City, during a protest against the current government on February 8, 2012, a day after the previous government was overturned. This erroneous information possibly had resulted in infuriating the protesters gathered at Addu City, which lead to burning down of Police buildings and courthouses in the City. HRCM had investigated the incident that happened in Addu City and found out that the TV station had created incitement to hatred and disorder among the public in this specific incident. The Commission had recommended Maldives Broadcasting Commission to take legal actions against such media as well as to promote responsible and unbiased journalism in the country. 143. There are instances of broadcasting media failing to maintain code of conduct for which Maldives Broadcasting Commission, state broadcaster of Maldives had taken appropriate actions. It is common for the media in Maldives to air live coverage of political rallies and Chapter: Article 19: Freedom of Expression Responsibility of Media 53