The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has voiced strong support for the Maldivian Journalists Association (MJA) in its opposition to the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, highlighting that media unions worldwide back the efforts of Maldivian journalists defending press freedom.
"Taking action against the powerful takes bravery and often, it takes risk. It also requires determination— to carry on, even when the going gets tough and sometimes because the fight is long."
— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) September 15, 2025
—IFJ's open letter to Maldivian journalists#ctrlbillbeyrukurey #CTRLehNukureveyne pic.twitter.com/ow8iGY2xOe
Jane Worthington, Director of the IFJ’s Asia-Pacific region, writing on behalf of the federation—which represents more than 600,000 media professionals across 140 countries—praised local journalists for their proactive stance. She noted that Maldivian media professionals have rightly characterized the bill as a tool for controlling the press.
Saluting Journalists’ Courage
“We salute you for taking a stand, for taking your campaign to the streets and to the people—because they deserve to know the consequences of a controlled and stifled media on all citizens and on society,” Worthington said in her statement.
Acknowledging that this may be the first major confrontation of its kind for many journalists, she expressed hope it would also be the last, while recognising the broader challenges of defending democratic principles.
The Fight for Press Freedom
“Sadly, too many governments parade democracy in name only. Too often they fear supporting a free and independent media because they have something to hide or misunderstand their responsibilities as leaders in a democratic system that represents the will of the people. Take time to reflect, replenish yourselves, strategise, and keep going,” Worthington added.
She stressed that defending press freedom requires resilience, unity, and courage, especially during extended campaigns. Without an independent media, narratives can be shaped to serve the interests of a few, she warned, urging journalists to remain vigilant in preventing history from repeating itself.
Concluding her statement, Worthington reaffirmed the global support for Maldivian journalists: “The world’s media unions stand beside you.”
