Media Regulator Orders Cartoon Removed, Triggering Press Freedom Outcry

Fresh concerns over press freedom erupted this week after the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, widely labelled by journalists as the “Control Commission”, ordered an online outlet to remove a political cartoon, contradicting President Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier assurance that the new media law would not affect social media or online expression.

The commission instructed Adhadhu to withdraw the cartoon and suspend its cartoon segment while it investigates alleged violations of religious principles, marking the first major enforcement action under the controversial law.

The move has triggered sharp political and legal criticism. Former economic minister Fayyaz Ismail, writing on X, accused the government of lying to the public about the scope of the law, saying it had become clear that the legislation was designed to control citizens and restrict fundamental rights.

He said any law that limits basic freedoms is “invalid,” and warned that the commission’s order was both unconstitutional and unlawful, adding that citizens are not obliged to obey such directives. Fayyaz further cautioned that the law now threatens to place every Maldivian’s speech, writing, and creative expression under state control.

Legal concerns were echoed by former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi, who said the commission has no legal or constitutional authority to order the removal of published content. Writing on X, he argued that only a court can lawfully restrict expression and warned that the regulator’s action amounts to unconstitutional censorship and an abuse of power.

The controversy has revived criticism of government assurances during the passage of the media law. President Muizzu had publicly insisted the legislation would not apply to social media content, a claim now increasingly questioned as regulators move against online satire.