Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail on Monday accused President Mohamed Muizzu’s government of attempting to dismantle media freedom through a newly proposed media regulation bill.
“The newly proposed media regulation bill is another poorly concealed attempt by @MMuizzu’s administration to dismantle media freedom in the country,” Fayyaz wrote on X. “Free media is the backbone of a democracy; the proposed legislation removes necessary protections from journalists and media platforms, and gives the president direct control over the ‘regulatory’ council.”
The bill, formally titled the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, was introduced in parliament on Monday by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who had earlier brought forward a similar bill but withdrew it amid a barrage of criticism. If passed, it would dissolve the existing Maldives Broadcasting Commission and the Maldives Media Council, replacing them with a new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The new commission would have seven members, three of whom are appointed by the president, while four are to be elected by media outlets that have operated for at least five years. The president would also appoint the chairperson of the commission.
Critics say the measure risks placing the media under direct political control. Fayyaz warned the law would grant the council “unchecked authority to block, ban, and fine independent media sources and to stifle all forms of dissent,” adding: “We cannot go back to the days where speaking the truth is cause enough for persecution.”
In a separate X post on Tuesday, MDP President Abdulla Shahid said: “Regulating the press with a council appointed by the President, wielding power to impose crushing fines and cancel licenses is a blatant attack on media freedom and Maldivian democracy. History shows authoritarian regimes silence dissent by crushing free media. As a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, it’s our duty to protect this fundamental right. I urge journalists and @mvpeoplesmajlis members to stand firm against this bill and defend press freedom, a cornerstone of democracy we’ve fought hard to build. I call on the government to withdraw this draconian bill from parliament immediately and respect the right to freedom of expression.”
Under the proposed legislation, the commission would be empowered to impose fines of up to MVR 100,000, suspend media registrations during investigations, and seek court orders to revoke registrations permanently. It could also block news websites and halt television broadcasts while cases are pending.
The commission would initially be run by a five-member interim committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission, a government-controlled body, until permanent members are installed.
Additional responsibilities outlined in the bill include registering newspapers, licensing broadcasters, maintaining a register of journalists, monitoring the media, and setting standards of conduct.