Journalists Protest Outside Parliament Against Media Regulation Bill
Journalists protesting outside of the parliament calling to reject the Maldives Media and Broadcasting bill today, August 27, 2025 | Photo: Maldives Journalists Association
Maldivian journalists gathered outside the Parliament today to protest against the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, calling for its immediate rejection. The bill, introduced by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency, was debated in Parliament earlier today.
Protesters said they were compelled to take to the streets to defend press freedom, which they argue the bill threatens to restrict. Their concerns were echoed at a press conference yesterday, where senior journalists warned that the passage of the bill would set Maldivian journalism back by two decades. They urged Parliament to withdraw the proposal, arguing that its provisions left no room for genuine discussion or debate.
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Veteran journalist Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga), Managing Editor of Dhauru, said that nearly 20 years after the Maldives transitioned to democratic governance, the bill appeared to undermine hard-won media freedoms. He highlighted clauses that could allow journalists to be tried for criminal offences and face prison sentences.
Happening now: Maldivian journalists are protesting against the Media Control Bill outside the @mvpeoplesmajlis Parliament House.@IFJGlobal @CPJAsia @RSF_inter pic.twitter.com/W6YvuepenM— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) August 27, 2025
Moosa Latheef, Chief Editor of Dhauru, expressed concern over the proposed composition of the new regulatory commission, where three of seven members would be appointed by the president. He cautioned that if state media secured one of the remaining four seats, the government could effectively dominate the body. Latheef also criticised Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim’s remarks that the bill was based on international examples, arguing that it drew inspiration from countries with limited press freedom, such as Malaysia.
Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Chief Editor and CEO of Adhadhu newspaper, described the bill as part of a “sinister conspiracy”, claiming it was drafted under the influence of President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration despite being tabled by an independent MP. He dismissed the need for debate, calling the bill “far worse than any I have ever debated.”
If approved, the legislation would impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to 25,000 on individual journalists, while media organisations could face penalties of up to MVR 100,000. Media associations and rights groups have warned that the bill risks eroding press freedom and placing independent journalism under government control.
