Bar Council Recommends Withdrawal of Media and Broadcasting Bill
Journalists protesting outside the parliament on August 27, 2025, calling for the withdrawal of Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill | Photo: MV+
The Bar Council of Maldives (BCM) recommended that the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill be withdrawn yesterday.
In a series of posts on X, the BCM said it had submitted comments on the controversial bill to parliament. The council noted that, in line with recommendations from the Legal Reform and Review Commission (LRRC), the bill required “substantial revision and reconsideration” to align with constitutional principles and international best practices.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
The BCM also urged parliament to hold meaningful discussions with relevant stakeholders and allow sufficient time to gather public feedback before enacting the bill.
The parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions approved the proposed bill yesterday with 72 amendments, despite ongoing protests from journalists and warnings from civil society groups and international organisations that its enactment could restrict press freedom in the Maldives.
BCM has urged Parliament to conduct meaningful stakeholder consultations & allow sufficient time for public feedback prior to the Bill’s enactment. (3/3)— Bar Council of the Maldives (@MvBarCouncil) September 15, 2025
The bill, tabled on 18 August by Independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who is aligned with government MPs, seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission of Maldives. In their place, it would establish a seven-member Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission with wide-ranging powers, including the authority to impose fines, suspend outlets, and block content.
Parliament has called an extraordinary sitting during recess today, scheduled to be held at 4:00 p.m., widely expected to pass the bill. Although the time and agenda of the sitting have not yet been publicised, parliamentarians have confirmed it will go ahead. Journalists and members of the public are currently gathered outside parliament, calling for the bill to be rejected.
