MMBC Narrows Political Cartoon Circulation Restriction from Public to Media Only, Following Backlash

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Media Commission) issued a second notice yesterday, narrowing restrictions on the circulation of Siyaasee Cartoon Volume 22 published by Adhadhu News from the general public to media outlets, following public backlash.

The commission’s initial notice, released earlier the same day, addressed the public at large and stated that “no party should circulate” the content, citing an ongoing review. It asked the public to refrain from sharing the cartoon while the investigation was ongoing.

Concerns over the scope of the Media Commission’s authority have been raised since the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act was debated in Parliament. Journalist communities, both locally and internationally, warned that provisions in the bill could limit freedom of speech and expression beyond the journalistic sphere and into the public domain. The act was ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 18 September 2025.

Responding to the initial notice, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) said it was concerned about how the Media Act is being used to restrict freedom of expression on social media. The association said it had previously cautioned that the law could grant the commission powers to limit and penalise public expression online, despite government assurances at the time of enactment that it would not be applied in this way.

PRESS RELEASE

One of the gravest concerns of this association, and a primary reason for our categorical opposition to the Media Control Act, is the broad authority granted to the Media Commission to restrict public expression on social media and impose penalties.

When this…

— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) January 25, 2026

“However, the directive issued today by the Media Commission, ordering all citizens to cease the circulation of cartoons published by ‘Adhadhu’ on social media, proves that the Commission has begun utilising this law to stifle social media discourse. This action further confirms that the government’s primary objective in enacting this legislation is to systematically undermine and strip away the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and press freedom,” MJA said.

Following the backlash, the Media Commission deleted the initial notice and issued an amended version that limits the restriction to media outlets only.

The commission first notified Adhadhu News of the contested post on Thursday, the same day the cartoon was published on the outlet’s social media platforms. It said the post violated Islamic values and instructed the newspaper to respond to the allegations within five days. The commission also ordered the removal of the post from all platforms until the matter is resolved and directed the outlet to halt the Siyaasee Cartoon segment during the review period temporarily.

Adhadhu News said it sent a letter to the commission on Saturday evening seeking clarification on the legal basis for the claim that the content violates the principles of Islam. The outlet said it would decide on any temporary suspension of the content once the commission provides its rationale.

According to Adhadhu, the commission announced its investigation at 5:30 pm on Thursday, shortly after official working hours ended. The case marks the first time the regulatory body has ordered the removal of content published by a newspaper and the first time it has instructed the public not to share content under review.