A group of more than 150 journalists from across the Maldives has formally submitted a petition to Parliament and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, calling for the rejection of the proposed Media Regulation Bill.
The petition, which includes signatures from 151 journalists representing 40 different media organizations, expresses deep concern over the potential impact of the bill on press freedom in the country. It specifically criticizes the Media Bill submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru, arguing that it could set Maldivian journalism back by years.
Journalists behind the petition argue that the bill was drafted without any consultation with media professionals, the public, or civil society organizations. According to the petition, the bill draws inspiration from international broadcasting policies, but these examples come from countries with strong self-regulatory bodies. In contrast, the bill in its current form would limit journalists’ independence and restrict their ability to report freely.
The petition highlights that under the proposed law, journalists could face restrictions that allow external groups to influence media work. This, the petition states, would create a hostile environment for journalism and make it harder for media professionals to present information fairly and without bias.
Under the bill, while cases are being reviewed by a newly formed media commission, the council would have the authority to temporarily seize licenses and close news outlets for an unspecified period. The power to permanently revoke licenses would lie with the courts. The petition warns that these measures would make it more difficult for journalists to hold the government accountable and limit their capacity to inform the public responsibly.
Journalists argue that moving from a self-regulatory system to one influenced by government control would result in the loss of essential press freedoms. The petition also states that constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as well as other civil and political rights, would be restricted.
The petition points out that the Constitution allows civil and political rights to be limited only to the extent justified in a free and democratic society. Based on this principle, the petition calls for the immediate rejection of the bill.
The Media Bill is currently under review by the Independent Institutions Committee. Both the Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, along with journalists, have presented their views to the committee. They have warned that the bill does not offer any protections for journalists and would instead limit their ability to operate freely.
Concerns about the bill are not limited to local voices. Some international organizations have also expressed unease, highlighting the potential risks to press freedom in the Maldives. Local journalists have held protests outside Parliament and the President’s Office to reinforce their opposition.
The petition marks one of the most significant collective actions by journalists in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need to protect independent journalism and maintain democratic oversight in the Maldives.
