Ali Anim Detained Over Social Media Posts After Media Commission Bill Sparks Protests
Police arrested a young man last night over allegations of encouraging unrest in response to the recently submitted Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. The individual, identified as Ali Anim Mufeed from Athama Villa, S. Hithadhoo, was taken into custody under a court order following posts he shared on the social media platform X. Authorities said these posts allegedly incited protesters opposing the bill to commit acts of unrest.
Anim was presented before the court for a remand hearing and has since been released. Police confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing.
Media Regulation Bill Sparks Concerns
The bill was submitted to Parliament on Tuesday by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru of Thulhaadhoo. It proposes merging the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission into a single body, the Maldives Media Commission.
The bill has already stirred reactions among journalists. During the first parliamentary reading and debate, several media professionals staged silent protests both inside Parliament and in the public gallery outside. Critics have raised concerns about press freedom and the scope of the commission’s authority.
Structure and Authority of the Proposed Media Commission
Under the new legislation, the Media Commission would consist of seven members. Three would be appointed by the President, and four would be elected by media professionals. The President would also appoint the chairperson of the commission.
The bill grants the Media Commission the authority to revoke the registration of journalists and media outlets that violate ethical guidelines. It also sets fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for individual journalists and up to MVR 100,000 for media organizations found in breach of the code of conduct.
Public Response
The arrest of Anim followed heightened tensions among citizens and media professionals over the bill’s potential impact on press freedom. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and no further actions have been confirmed.
As Parliament continues discussions on the bill, the reactions from journalists and the public indicate that debates over the regulation of media in the Maldives are likely to continue in the coming weeks.