Journalists Forcibly Removed from Parliament Committee Meeting on Media Bill
Journalists being forcibly removed from the closed sessions of the Committee on Independent Institutions on September 10, 2025 | Photo: Screenshot from a video shared on MP for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Nasym’s X account.
Journalists who entered the closed review meeting by the Committee on Independent Institutions on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill were forcibly removed from Parliament today.
Videos circulating on social media show several journalists being carried out by Parliament security, including the Secretary General of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Naaif Ahmed, and MJA Executive Committee member and member of the Maldives Media Commission (MMC), Muzayin Nazim and MMC member Leevan Ali Nasir. While being escorted out, they shouted that Parliament belongs to the people and urged security not to harm them.
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Journalists are now on the move to protest outside the “Media Fendaa” outside the President’s Office, urging the public to join them to be heard.
PNC-majority committee votes to hold media control bill meetings in-camera again, forcibly removing all journalists present in the room. #ctrlbillbeyrukurey pic.twitter.com/eGuR27bCM2— Meekail Naseem (@MickailNaseem) September 10, 2025
The decision to review the bill behind closed doors was made yesterday, sparking criticism from journalists covering the proceedings. Thulusdhoo MP Ibrahim Naseem explained that the move was to protect the personal information of individuals who had submitted feedback during public consultations. He noted that the committee had received a large volume of comments, and disclosing personal details during a live-streamed session would not be appropriate.
The proposal to deliberate in private was supported by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) members on the committee. According to media reports, journalists present at the meeting raised concerns over a lack of transparency.
#CTRLehNukureveyne pic.twitter.com/gEXl37c3RB— އާސިމާ ނިޒާރު (@AasiKaleyfaan) September 10, 2025
After the parliamentarians made the decision to hold the review meeting in closed sessions yesterday, the journalists present to cover the proceedings had left the premises, but they protested the move outside the parliament. However, they refused to leave the meeting today.
While Parliament remains in recess, the committee has consulted several stakeholders, including the Maldives Media Council, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, and multiple media organisations. Many have voiced concern over the draft law, which is widely referred to in the press as the “Media Control Bill.”
The Maldives Journalists Association has urged Parliament to extend its review period, requesting at least four months to allow for a thorough analysis. The association has also submitted a petition signed by 151 journalists from 41 media outlets, calling on both the President and Parliament to reject the proposed law.
The bill was tabled by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobacker, a government-aligned member of Parliament. This is the second time he has submitted such legislation, after his earlier attempt was withdrawn following widespread criticism. At the time, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu asked Parliament to withdraw the bill, stressing his commitment to safeguarding press freedom and opposing government interference in the media.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has since confirmed that the government intends to amend the bill rather than dismiss it entirely.
