The Parliament has begun a sitting to vote on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, as journalists and members of the public continue to protest outside, warning the legislation would severely undermine press freedom in the country.
Under parliamentary rules, the agenda must be circulated to members at least six hours before a session. However, Tuesday’s agenda, released after 5:00 p.m., focused solely on the controversial media bill.
Opposition lawmakers inside the parliament chamber voiced objections as the session began, with the names of protesting lawmakers being announced by the parliamentary speaker.
Outside, journalists have been demonstrating since the morning, criticising the bill for curtailing media freedom and free expression, and for granting the executive broad powers to suspend media registrations, block news websites, halt broadcasts, and impose fines. Police have forcibly pushed demonstrators away from the Parliament compound in an attempt to disperse the protests.
The bill has drawn strong criticism from local and international media, rights groups, and opposition parties.
President Mohamed Muizzu, government officials, and ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarians defend the legislation as a measure to strengthen media accountability and address misinformation.