Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ Journalists across the Maldives are raising serious concerns over a proposed law that threatens to undermine press freedom and tighten government control over independent media. Accordingly, Member of Parliament Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru introduced a bill recently that would dissolve the existing Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom). In their place, the bill proposes the creation of a new body, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Under the draft law, this new commission would consist of seven members. Three would be appointed directly by the president, including the chairperson. The remaining four would be elected by media organizations but could be removed at any time by a vote in Parliament.
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Journalists say this arrangement gives the government significant influence over the commission and could severely compromise its independence. The bill also grants the proposed commission sweeping powers. It would be authorized to fine individual journalists between MVR 5,000 and 25,000 (roughly USD 325 to 1,620), while media outlets could face penalties of up to MVR 100,000 (about USD 6,490) for failing to comply with yet-to-be-defined rules. In addition, the commission could suspend media registrations during investigations, block access to news websites, stop media broadcasts, and even pursue retroactive action on content published up to a year earlier.
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Local and international media rights groups have warned that the bill could severely restrict independent journalism, suppress investigative reporting, and foster a climate of fear among reporters. Last week, members of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) protested outside the People’s Majlis, describing the law as a direct danger to press freedom and democratic accountability. They held placards denouncing the proposed legislation and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Journalists also protested inside the parliamentary gallery as the bill was being debated.
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The MJA criticized the government for developing the law without consulting journalists, news organizations, or business groups. They said that the lack of transparency calls into question the bill’s actual purpose. Protesters also pointed out that the Maldives already has two regulating authorities, the MMC and BroadCom, which they feel are capable of handling any concerns about media conduct with sufficient assistance. Several well-known journalists issued public statements warning that the measure might be used to penalize critical reporting and muzzle those who reveal corruption or wrongdoing. Editors and senior reporters condemned the law as an attempt to control the narrative and shield people in power from public scrutiny.
The proposed legislation has also drawn political criticism. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) described the bill as a dangerous attempt to roll back democratic freedoms. MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called it a poorly disguised effort to weaken the press and diminish transparency in governance. This is not the first time such a bill has been introduced. A similar idea was introduced in Parliament last year, but it was ultimately abandoned due to considerable protests and popular outcry. At the time, President Mohamed Muizzu indicated that he opposed efforts to regulate the media and stressed his commitment to press freedom.
In response to the current bill, the president has again stated that he has no intention of influencing or controlling the media. He noted that he had communicated to members of Parliament representing the ruling coalition that media regulation should remain free from political interference. Although the new bill includes provisions that give the President the power to appoint members to the proposed commission, the President pledged not to exercise that authority in a way that undermines the commission’s independence. He underlined that the media must be free, transparent, and independent, and that responsible journalism is critical to a healthy democracy.
Despite the assurances, media professionals remain skeptical. They argue that the bill’s structure and language allow for excessive political manipulation. Journalists are calling for the bill to be totally repealed and replaced, if necessary, through an open dialogue and real collaboration with media stakeholders. The bill’s approval through Parliament might have long-term implications for free expression, democratic accountability, and the role of the press in the Maldives. For the time being, journalists have stated that they would continue to campaign for their rights and the public’s right to know.
