Broadcasting Commission Express Concerns over Media Bill

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has raised concerns over a parliamentary bill that seeks to introduce new restrictions on the media, saying it was tabled without adequate research or consultation with key stakeholders.

Broadcom President Safa Shafeeq, speaking before Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee today, said the commission had not been consulted during the drafting process. She noted that the commission lacked the resources and manpower required to effectively monitor media content, stressing that even though the law mandates such oversight, no monitoring has taken place due to budgetary constraints.

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Safa stated that implementing the proposed bill, which has been referred to by journalists as the “media control bill,” would not be straightforward given the commission’s limited capacity. She also emphasised the need for a national-level study before enacting laws that regulate and penalise media outlets, adding that such legislation should also take into account international conventions on freedom of expression to which the Maldives is a signatory.

Members of the Broadcom echoed concerns over the bill, noting that they had not been given sufficient time to review its provisions.

Representatives of the Maldives Media Council (MMC), who were also summoned by the committee, said the council had taken the position that the bill should be withdrawn from Parliament altogether. They stressed that MMC would not be issuing any recommendations in support of the legislation.

The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan, proposes fines of MVR 100,000 on newspapers and a stipend of MVR 25,000 for journalists. It also allows for further fines until compliance is ensured, while enabling measures against suspended licences, blocked news websites, and even extending penalties to cover the year prior to the law’s ratification.

The bill has sparked strong criticism from journalists and media bodies, who argue that it would restrict press freedom in the Maldives. International organisations have also raised concerns, warning that the proposed legislation could undermine press freedom in the Maldives and breach the country’s obligations under global conventions on human rights and freedom of expression.