Since early morning, journalists from various media outlets have gathered outside the Parliament in Malé, protesting the passage of the controversial Media Regulation Bill. Demonstrators began assembling at 8:30 a.m., raising concerns that the legislation could undermine press freedom in the Maldives.
Police have actively controlled the crowd, barricading access to the Parliament building and pushing back demonstrators, including members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). All roads leading to the Parliament were reportedly closed, highlighting the intensity of security measures amid rising tensions.
Journalists have expressed frustration that despite submitting a petition signed by over 150 media workers and presenting their concerns directly to the President, the legislative process has been expedited without meaningful consultation.
Committee Reviews and Amendments Stir Debate
The Media Bill, initially introduced by Thulhaadhoo Independent MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, faced heightened scrutiny in the Committee on Independent Institutions. The committee, chaired by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Hussain Riza, passed the bill in a meeting yesterday, only to schedule another review for the following day.
Opposition MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem objected to the initial vote, arguing that the committee should have considered the journalists’ petition before proceeding. Nevertheless, the meeting resumed, and the bill was passed.
In a subsequent meeting, Parliament's Counsel General provided recommendations to amend the bill. These recommendations were incorporated into the legislation, including the removal of a clause allowing fines to be imposed on individual journalists and media personnel, addressing one of the major concerns raised by the press community.
Despite these adjustments, Meekail criticized the committee for not providing him with the final draft of the bill, questioning how MPs could vote without reviewing the updated text. Committee Chair Hussain Riza countered that the opportunity to review the draft had already been available during the previous meeting, a point contested by Meekail.
Extraordinary Parliamentary Sitting Scheduled for 4:00 p.m
An extraordinary sitting of Parliament was scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to potentially approve the Media Bill, though the official agenda was not immediately announced. Ahead of this sitting, the committee reconvened at 2:00 p.m. to review the bill once more, following the Counsel General’s recommendations.
The bill’s revised version also removed provisions allowing fines of up to MVR 25,000 against individual journalists and the retroactive investigation of cases up to a year old. Additionally, a previously contentious clause granting the President the authority to appoint the Chair of the Media Commission was removed. The commission will now comprise four members elected by media representatives and three appointed by Parliament. While this change partially addresses concerns over political influence, journalists remain wary of potential legislative overreach.
Arrests and Police Intervention
Protests outside Parliament were not without incident. Two individuals, journalist and Media Council member Leevan Ali Naseer and taxi driver Shamin, were detained for allegedly obstructing government employees. Both were held in police custody for two to three hours and released without charge. Several protesters sustained minor injuries during police interventions, highlighting the tense standoff between authorities and media workers.
Press Freedom Groups Urge Withdrawal
The Media Bill has drawn criticism from both local and international organizations. A total of 22 groups, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning that it could severely undermine press freedom in the Maldives.
Journalists maintain that the bill, even with amendments, risks curtailing independent reporting and limiting freedom of expression. The Maldivian Journalists’ Association continues to advocate for the bill’s complete withdrawal, arguing that the legislative process has sidelined public input and disregarded petitions from media professionals.
Public Response and Ongoing Protests
Despite the bill’s passage in the committee and the scheduled parliamentary vote, protests persisted throughout the day. Demonstrators, including members of the MDP and concerned citizens, gathered near Republic Square after continuous demonstrations outside Parliament. Chants opposing the bill echoed throughout Malé, reflecting widespread concern over the potential erosion of press freedoms.
The government, however, has defended the bill, stating that amendments proposed by the Attorney General’s Office address journalists’ concerns and ensure the legislation does not impede the free practice of journalism. Nonetheless, opposition voices and press freedom advocates remain unconvinced, pointing to a rushed legislative process and lack of transparency.
What’s Next
With the extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled, it remains to be seen whether further amendments or debates will be introduced. Journalists and civil society groups have indicated that they will continue monitoring the process closely and may escalate their protests if the bill is enacted without adequate safeguards for press independence.
