Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail on Tuesday demanded the immediate release of two journalists detained during protests against a controversial media bill, warning President Mohamed Muizzu that “your time is up.”
“RELEASE Leevan and Shamin immediately @PoliceMv. You have made a huge mistake today @MMuizzu. Your time is up,” Fayyaz posted on X.
Adhadhu newspaper reported that its journalist Leevan Ali Naseer was “brutally arrested” during Tuesday’s demonstration outside Parliament in Malé. The outlet said it obtained video footage showing three policemen physically restraining and assaulting him.
Police did not confirm whether Leevan had been detained when asked by Adhadhu, but the newspaper later said his arrest was confirmed.
The protests, involving journalists and members of the public, have been ongoing since Tuesday morning outside the Parliament compound, where lawmakers have begun debating the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. Reporters at the scene said police used excessive force to disperse demonstrators, with some journalists reporting they were shoved, knelt on, and left bleeding.
Some journalists opposing the bill have also received death threats, including Ahmed Aaidh and Mohamed Shahzan of Adhadhu and Ahmed Naif of Dhauru, according to local reports.
The bill, which seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission and replace them with a new body partly appointed by the president, has drawn strong criticism from local and international media groups, rights organisations and opposition parties. They argue it would hand the executive sweeping powers to suspend media registrations, block news websites, halt broadcasts and impose fines.
President Muizzu, government officials, and ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarians defend the legislation as a measure to strengthen media accountability and address misinformation.