Local journalists and international press freedom groups have condemned a proposed law to create a powerful new media regulator, warning it poses a “grave threat” to independent reporting and could “criminalise journalism.”
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which represents more than 600,000 media workers worldwide, said in a press release on Wednesday that the draft legislation lacked legitimacy. “Regulating the media requires genuine industry consultation and engagement,” it said. “Bypassing such engagement with journalists and their unions shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the ultimate purpose of such a body — that is to strengthen journalism and safeguard democracy and press freedom.” The organisation also called on the government to withdraw the bill immediately.
The IFJ’s local affiliate, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), said the bill contained “vaguely defined terms that are ripe for abuse” and introduced “draconian penalties and other severe punishments.”
The bill, introduced in parliament on Monday by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The new body would have sweeping powers to suspend licences, block news websites, and halt broadcasts. Journalists could be fined between MVR 5,000 and 25,000 ($325–$1,620), while outlets could face penalties of up to MVR 100,000 ($6,490).
On Tuesday, the Maldives Media Council (MMC), a statutory body elected by journalists and media organisations, urged lawmakers to reject the legislation, warning it would roll back constitutional protections and “seriously infringe” on press freedom. The council said the commission’s composition — which grants the president authority to appoint its chair and dismiss members — would prevent journalists from working freely. It also warned that vague provisions could allow arbitrary decisions and undermine Article 28 of the Constitution, which protects journalists from being compelled to reveal their sources.
A similar bill submitted by the same lawmaker was withdrawn last year after backlash, but the new version goes further by granting the president the power to appoint the commission’s chair and three of its seven members. The remaining four seats would be filled from the media sector, though parliament would be able to dismiss them through a no-confidence vote.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the country’s main opposition, echoed concerns raised by journalists and media groups. Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called the proposal “another poorly concealed attempt” to dismantle media freedom.
The MJA urged President Mohamed Muizzu to honour his pledge to support a system of independent self-regulation. “We champion a robust, independent mechanism where journalists, free from government influence, establish and uphold their own professional standards,” it said.