Controversial Media Bill Review Moved Behind Closed Doors

The Committee on Independent Institutions has decided to review the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in closed sessions, a move that has drawn criticism from journalists covering the proceedings.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Thulusdhoo MP Ibrahim Naseem said the decision was made to protect the personal information of individuals who had provided feedback during the public consultation process. Naseem explained that the committee had received a significant number of comments and would need time to review and incorporate them, noting that disclosing personal details during a live-streamed session would not be appropriate.

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The proposal to deliberate in private was supported by ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) members on the committee. According to media reports, journalists present at the meeting voiced concern over the lack of transparency.

While Parliament remains in recess, the committee has consulted various stakeholders, including the Maldives Media Council, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission and several media organisations. Many have raised concerns about the draft law, which is widely referred to in the press as the “Media Control Bill”.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has urged Parliament to extend its review period, requesting at least four months to conduct 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. It is the second time he has submitted such legislation, after his earlier attempt was withdrawn following widespread criticism.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, reiterating his commitment to safeguarding press freedom and rejecting government interference in the media.

However, Attorney General Ahmed Usham has confirmed that the government now intends to amend the bill rather than dismiss it entirely.