Maldives has passed a highly controversial media regulation law, sparking widespread protests..
On 16 September, the Parliament of the Maldives passed a highly controversial media regulation bill, sparking widespread protests across the country. Journalists, opposition lawmakers, and human rights groups have criticised the bill, saying it threatens press freedom and may be used to stifle dissent. The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a dominant position in the Majlis (parliament), passed the bill with 60 votes in favour and just one vote against, despite significant opposition both inside and outside the chamber. Later on 18 September, President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu signed the media bill into law.
The bill, introduced in August by Member of Parliament (MP) Abdul Hannan Aboobakur, aims to replace the two existing media watchdog bodies, the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom), with a new body called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC). The MMBC will have seven members, with four selected by media organisations and three appointed by the government, including its head. While the government argues that the bill is designed to tackle issues like fake news and defamation, critics fear it will give the government too much control over the media.
The debate around the bill has intensified over the past few weeks, with journalists in the Maldives warning that it would undermine press freedom in the country. On the morning of the parliamentary vote, journalists gathered outside Parliament to protest, joined by opposition MPs and concerned citizens. The protest turned violent when riot police clashed with demonstrators, dragging several people away and causing injuries. Inside the chamber, opposition lawmakers also attempted to block the vote, but they were removed by security before the session continued.
Despite the protests, the government maintains that the bill is necessary to ensure media accountability and curb the spread of misinformation. The government’s supporters argue that the new bill would offer better regulation and protect individuals from defamatory content. The Attorney General’s Office, in defence of the bill, stated that many of the concerns raised by journalists had been addressed during the parliamentary committee stage, leading to some last-minute amendments.
Some of the key changes made to the bill during the committee stage include the removal of a provision that would have allowed the government to shut down media outlets before completing an investigation into any alleged violations. Another significant change is the stipulation that the president of the new media commission will be chosen by the members of the commission rather than being directly appointed by the president of the country. Additionally, the bill now explicitly states that social media platforms will not fall under the law’s regulations, and it guarantees that journalists and media outlets will have the opportunity to respond in writing before any penalties are imposed for alleged violations.
Despite these amendments, many journalists and media organizations argue that the changes do not go far enough. They remain particularly concerned about vague provisions in the bill that require the media to protect “national security” and the “reputation of the government.” Critics argue that these provisions could be used to silence critical reporting and independent journalism.
International organizations have also voiced their concerns. Groups like Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch have condemned the bill, calling it a step backward for democracy in the Maldives. The United States also joined the chorus of criticism, urging the Maldives to uphold freedom of expression.
Former Maldivian Presidents, including Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Solih, have been particularly vocal in their opposition to the bill. The international community, along with Maldivian journalists and activists, will be watching closely to see what happens next. If the bill becomes law, it may lead to a significant shift in the media landscape of the Maldives, where independent journalism may be severely restricted, and the government may hold more control over what is reported in the press.
(Mohit Singh is a TV journalist)
