Maldives Rights Organisations Slam Government’s Move to Block Websites

Rights groups in Maldives have strongly criticized the government’s recent decision to block websites featuring anti-government content. 

This move follows the earlier decision to restrict access to pornographic websites, as announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

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The affected websites, kurusee.com, dhiyavaru.com, and Furathama.com, have been rendered inaccessible on local networks since Thursday evening, prompting concerns from the public and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Critics view this action as a form of censorship and a warning against dissenting opinions.

Despite assurances from the government that registered media outlets will not be affected, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Editors’ Guild of Maldives, and Transparency Maldives issued separate statements denouncing the move. They argue that the decision infringes upon fundamental rights such as freedom of information, press freedom, and the right to express dissent.

The MJA and Editors’ Guild expressed opposition to the lack of transparency in the implementation of this decision, emphasising that it was carried out without a disclosed public procedure. They called on the government to withdraw the measure, characterising it as undemocratic and a threat to the progress of Maldives’ democracy.

In response to the government’s assertion that the Maldives Media Council (MMC) is responsible for overseeing media ethics and combating misinformation, the MJA and Editors’ Guild stressed that government intervention outside established legal processes is unwarranted. They urged the government to empower and support the MMC in fulfilling its duties effectively.

While acknowledging the need to address misinformation, the MJA emphasised that censorship is not the solution. They advocated for a proactive approach involving public education on discerning false information and supporting media outlets in professional fact-checking as more effective alternatives.

The condemnation from rights groups highlights growing concerns over freedom of expression and information in Maldives, urging a reconsideration of the government’s recent decisions.