Two anti-govt news websites unblocked

The two news websites that were blocked by the Maldivian government last week have now been unblocked following backlash.

The Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) shut down two anti-government news websites on December 22; Kurusee and Dhiyavaru.

A top government official confirmed on Thursday that the two sites have now been unblocked.

The official said that the websites were both blocked, and later unblocked, at orders from the police.

 He was that both websites are now accessible.

The two websites in question had published articles containing major allegations against the government. The two sites, while they operate as news websites, are not officially registered as media.

CAM, which regulates internet service providers, is now run under the Ministry of Cities, Local Governance, and Public Works.

The decision to block the news websites had sparked widespread criticism against the government.

Many saw the move as an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Responding to the criticism, the government provided assurance it would not take action against any registered news outlet.