Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail on Monday criticised President Mohamed Muizzu’s government for pushing ahead with a controversial media bill on the International Day of Democracy and urged parliament to reject it and heed journalists’ concerns.
“The irony of attempting to pass #CTRLbill on International Day of Democracy is not lost on the public,” Fayyaz wrote on X, referring to legislation that critics say could be used to curb press freedom. “I urge the Parliament to listen to the journalists who have worked tirelessly to make their concerns about this legislation heard, and reject this bill.”
Fayyaz accused Muizzu’s government of systematically weakening democratic checks and balances. “Under your administration, we have seen the systematic dismantling of independent institutions, a hostile takeover of the judiciary, and the Parliament fall under the Executive’s complete control,” he said. “The #CTRLbill is the next step to silence free speech and intimidate the press.”
His remarks came in response to Muizzu’s own Democracy Day message earlier on Monday. “Today, as we mark the #InternationalDayofDemocracy, let us stay dedicated to our journey towards greater representation of women and youth, ensuring that all Maldivian voices are heard and valued at every level of decision-making,” Muizzu posted on X.
The proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill, tabled by government-aligned Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would dissolve the Maldives Broadcasting Commission and the Maldives Media Council, replacing them with a new seven-member body. Three members would be appointed by the president, four elected by established media outlets, while the president would also appoint the chair. Critics warn the arrangement risks placing the media under direct government control.
The commission would be given sweeping powers to suspend registrations, block news websites, halt broadcasts and impose fines of up to MVR 25,000 on individual journalists and MVR 100,000 on outlets. Media groups and civil society say the bill poses a grave threat to press freedom, warning that its “vague” provisions are “ripe for abuse” and could effectively criminalise reporting.
Parliament’s committee on independent institutions last week barred reporters from covering its review of the bill, citing privacy concerns for citizens who had submitted feedback. Journalists had sought to attend as part of their campaign to have the draft withdrawn, arguing that secrecy undermines public trust.
Local media groups, including the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC), have denounced the measure. The MMC warned that it would “open the door for unfair action against the media” and erode constitutional safeguards, including the right of journalists not to reveal their sources. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) described the bill as lacking legitimacy and bypassing industry consultation, while the Committee to Protect Journalists and 20 other organisations urged Muizzu to withdraw it.
Government officials insist the bill is intended to strengthen accountability, and Muizzu has said freedom of speech has limits, stressing the need to safeguard dignity and honour.