IFJ Condemns ‘Weaponisation’ of Maldivian Media Law as Censorship and Violent Threats Surge

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has issued a stinging condemnation of the Maldives’ newly enacted “media control bill”, warning that the legislation is being used to dismantle press freedom following the first forced removal of editorial content.

The outcry comes as independent journalists face a surge in violent harassment, including graphic death threats directed at Ahmed Naif, President of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). 

First Use of New Censorship Powers

The newly established Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, formed under the controversial Act passed in September 2025, exercised its “super-regulator” powers on 22nd January. It ordered the digital news outlet Adhadhu to immediately take down a political cartoon that satirised bribery and corruption in Maldivian society.

#Maldives🇲🇻: The ‘Media and Broadcasting Commission Act’, passed in September 2025, has been used to remove editorial content, amid harassment and threats against journalists, including the President of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). https://t.co/5BCFvd8gln— IFJ Asia-Pacific (@ifjasiapacific) January 30, 2026

The Commission claimed the image—which included a likeness of President Mohamed Muizzu—contravened the “basic tenets of Islam,” though it failed to provide a specific legal justification. Following Adhadhu’s initial refusal to comply without clarification, the Commission issued a second directive on 25th January prohibiting any online sharing of the artwork.

Violent Threats Against MJA Leadership

Amidst this regulatory crackdown, MJA President and Dhauru editor Ahmed Naif has been targeted with violent death threats. A social media account named “Hussain Messi” reportedly informed Naif he would be “chopped into pieces” if he visited Guraidhoo island.

The IFJ noted that this is the third serious threat against Naif since 2023. Previous investigations into threats against journalists during the 2025 anti-bill protests were closed by police, who cited an “inability to identify perpetrators.” 

According to an article published today by Adhadhu, their CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, has received an anonymous death threat via Facebook Messenger, warning that he will be killed for satirising the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). Adhadhu said that this incident marks the third targeted threat against Fiyaz since the start of the current administration, following a previous physical confrontation in public that prompted a police risk assessment and the provision of state security. 

Legal Challenge Mounted

In response to what it calls the “weaponisation” of the law, the MJA filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court on 26th January. The association is seeking to annul the Act and has applied for an interim order to freeze the Commission’s punitive powers—including its ability to fine journalists up to MVR 100,000 and block news websites—while the case is heard.

MJA legal representative Ahmed Mauroof criticised the law’s “vague provisions,” arguing they grant the state broad, unchecked powers to silence dissent.

International Outcry

“As grimly anticipated, the unconstitutional ‘media control bill’ is already facilitating the censorship of legitimate journalism,” the IFJ stated. The federation described the bill as “draconian” and called for its immediate withdrawal, alongside a transparent investigation into the threats against Naif.The government continues to defend the Act, insisting it is intended to improve professionalism and accountability within the media sector. However, international observers warn that the erosion of press freedom in the Maldives is reaching a critical tipping point.