Journalists Warn: New Bill Hands Media Control to Government

Veteran journalists have strongly condemned the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it threatens to undo nearly two decades of democratic progress and press freedom in the country.

The bill, introduced by independent MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr with the backing of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), has sparked protests from leading editors and media organizations. Journalists argue that the legislation’s provisions would place unprecedented control of the media in the hands of the government.

At a press conference held on August 26, veteran editor Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga) said the bill is designed to criminalize journalism, pointing to clauses that could send reporters to prison. He argued that such measures would dismantle the freedoms achieved since the Maldives embraced democracy in the mid-2000s.

Echoing his concerns, Chief Editor Moosa Latheef highlighted that the proposed regulatory body would include presidential appointees, allowing the government to dominate decisions. He dismissed government claims that the bill draws from international best practices, stating instead that it resembles restrictive laws from countries with poor press freedom records.

Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of Adhadhu, described the bill as a “cunning attempt” to silence independent voices, noting that it would grant regulators the power to revoke media licenses and halt operations before due process is complete. He criticized the bill’s sponsor, Hannan, claiming he is advancing the President’s agenda under the ruling party’s direction.

If passed, the bill would introduce hefty fines up to MVR 100,000 for outlets and MVR 25,000 for individual journalists while granting regulators sweeping authority to suspend or dissolve media platforms.

Both the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Journalists Association have demanded the bill’s immediate withdrawal, warning that it risks silencing critical voices and setting back media freedom by decades.