Several journalists and protesters, including senior opposition figures, were injured Tuesday in ongoing demonstrations near Parliament in Malé against a controversial media bill critics say would place control of free expression in the hands of President Mohamed Muizzu.
Protesters, including journalists and senior opposition figures such as MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, are gathered near the Parliament compound in Malé, protesting the controversial media bill. Police used force to push back and arrest demonstrators, with several participants reporting they were injured while being shoved or manhandled.
According to journalists at the protest, police knelt on some reporters’ heads, twisted their hands, and damaged their clothing, leaving some bleeding. The protest continues despite police pushing demonstrators back from the area where the journalists had been.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill seeks to dissolve the existing Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Of its seven members, three would be appointed by the president — including the chair — while the remaining four would be selected by media outlets.
Opponents, including the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have warned that the proposal “hands control to the president,” giving the executive sweeping influence over media regulation. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has described it as a “grave threat” that would criminalise journalism.
The government has defended the bill, saying it aims to strengthen accountability and tackle misinformation. The legislation cleared its first reading in Parliament by a vote of 49–12 and is now under committee review.