International Federation of Journalists Commends Maldivian Journalists’ Stand Against Media Bill
Maldivian journalists calling for parliamentarians to withdraw the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill on August 27, 2025, outside the parliament | Photo: MV+
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has commended the Maldivian Journalists Association (MJA) for its work opposing the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, stating that media unions worldwide support the efforts of Maldivian journalists.
Writing on behalf of the IFJ, which represents more than 600,000 media professionals across over 140 countries, Jane Worthington, Director of the Asia-Pacific region, praised local journalists for their stand against the bill, which she noted has been aptly described by Maldivian journalists as a media control measure.
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“We salute you for taking a stand, for taking your campaign to the streets and to the people – because they deserve to know the consequences of a controlled and stifled media on all citizens and on society,” Worthington wrote.
"Taking action against the powerful takes bravery and often, it takes risk. It also requires determination— to carry on, even when the going gets tough and sometimes because the fight is long."
—IFJ's open letter to Maldivian journalists#ctrlbillbeyrukurey #CTRLehNukureveyne pic.twitter.com/ow8iGY2xOe— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) September 15, 2025
She acknowledged that, for many journalists, this is their first fight against such measures and expressed hope it will also be the last, while recognising the challenges of defending democracy.
“Sadly, too many governments parade democracy in name only. Too often they are fearful of supporting a free and independent media because they have something to hide or misunderstand their responsibilities as leaders in a democratic system that represents the will of the people. Take time to reflect, replenish yourselves, strategise and keep going,” she wrote.
Worthington emphasised the importance of unity and determination, noting that defending press freedom often requires bravery and resilience, especially in long campaigns. She added that without a truly free media, narratives can be manipulated, and called on journalists to prevent history from repeating itself.
“The world’s media unions stand beside you,” she concluded.
