snatching his camera while he was on assignment inside municipal council premises.56 l) On October 25, 2010, police attacked and briefly detained some journalists who were covering an opposition party (Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party) protest rally. HRCM condemned this act.57 58 m) On August 5, 2010, a female video journalist from VTV was disrupted by a parliament member and ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group Leader, while she was filming an interview of another member of the parliament near the a Parliament Committee room, repeatedly warning her to leave the area without delay. n) On March 8, 2010, private television station DhiTV was forced to leave a General Meeting of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party.59 146. Maldives Media Council (MMC) is the body established under Maldives Media Council Act (15/2008), entrusted of finding an appropriate solution for these problems. The main aim of MMC is “to preserve, promote and maintain the freedom of press, within the legal frame work of the Country and to encourage the growth of a sense of responsibility, public service, ethics and a high standard of professionalism among all those engaged in the profession of journalism”. So far the council has not been successful in taking steps to provide effective solution for the problems journalists face in obtaining and disseminating information to the public. Also, the council is so far unsuccessful in achieving its aim of encouraging high standard of professionalism among journalists.Finance Committee of Parliament has proposed to abolish Media Council on the ground that, the council had been unable to perform its duties and responsibilities to a satisfactory level. The issue is being debated in Parliament.61 147. The State must take appropriate legal actions against law enforcement officials who use violence against persons working in the media. The State should provide adequate protection for journalists and media outlets against attacks and other forms of harassment and must take measures to ensure that all such incidents are investigated and prosecuted. The State must make sure that the authorities refrain from intimidating and forcing to reveal their original source. State should take appropriate legislative and administrative measures to provide an environment for exercising the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. Chapter: Article 19: Freedom of Expression o) On January 28, 2010, police ordered Dhi‐fm visual radio to shut down its transmission while it was carrying out the live coverage of the protest held in front of Presidential residence, “Muliaage”.60 56