Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on citizens to protest against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill, following its passage by Parliament on Tuesday.
“The Media Control bill passed by the Muizzu administration is an insult to the memory of the thousands of activists who bled to secure freedom of expression and media for Maldivians,” Fayyaz said in a post on X, urging citizens to join the opposition in resisting what he called a “draconian control bill” and fight for the country’s future.
The bill, passed with 60 votes in favour and one against during a heated extraordinary session, dissolves the Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. Under the law, the president will appoint three of the commission’s seven members, including its chair, while the remaining four will be chosen by media outlets.
The legislation grants the commission powers to suspend media registrations, block news websites, halt broadcasts, and levy fines of up to MVR 100,000 (USD 6,400).
Tuesday’s vote followed opposition protests inside Parliament and demonstrations by journalists and members of the public outside the parliament compound in Malé. Police forcibly dispersed protesters, and several journalists reported being assaulted, with at least two detained, according to local media reports.
Local and international media groups, rights organisations, and opposition parties have strongly criticised the bill, warning it undermines press freedom and allows the executive branch unprecedented control over independent media. The Maldives Journalists Association described the legislation as a “grave threat” that could criminalise journalism.
President Mohamed Muizzu and his ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MPs have defended the bill, saying it is needed to strengthen accountability and combat misinformation.