A new media control bill has been introduced in the Maldives Parliament, raising serious concerns about press freedom. The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill was presented on Monday by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
If approved by the government-controlled People’s Majlis and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, the bill will create the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, replacing the current Broadcasting Commission of the Maldives (Broadcom) and Maldives Media Council (MMC).
The new commission will have seven members, three of whom will be appointed directly by the President, while the other four will be elected by the media. However, media outlets registered less than five years ago will be barred from voting. The Chairperson of the commission will also be appointed by the President. The bill does not explain why presidential appointments are needed.
The commission will have wide-ranging powers, including the ability to:
- Impose fines of up to MVR 100,000 on media outlets.
- Temporarily cancel media registrations even before cases are investigated.
- Go to court to revoke a registration.
- Order websites to be blocked or broadcasts stopped during investigations.
- Investigate complaints from incidents that occurred up to a year before the bill is ratified.
Until the commission members are officially appointed, a five-member committee from the government-controlled Civil Service Commission (CSC) will manage it. The bill also allows the commission to set media guidelines, register news outlets, compile a register of journalists, monitor media, and issue broadcasting licenses.
Journalists from Adhadhu, Mihaaru, and Dhauru held a silent protest in the Parliament gallery during the first reading of the bill. They warned that the legislation aims to increase government control of the media through fines and suspension of registrations.
The Maldives Journalists Association has called for the bill to be withdrawn, stating:
“The bill completely dismantles the existing independent self-regulatory system and gives control of the entire media to the government and the party with the majority in parliament.”
Opposition leaders have also voiced strong criticism. MDP President Abdulla Shahid said the government wants journalists to live under constant fear and pressure: “I call on all journalists and honorable MPs not to allow this government to take away the freedom of the Maldivian press, which reached this day with many sacrifices.”
MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail added that the bill removes crucial protections for journalists and media platforms, calling it: “Another poorly concealed attempt by Muizzu’s administration to dismantle media freedom in the country.”
The proposed bill has sparked widespread concern that it could undermine press freedom in the Maldives and place the media under direct government control.
