MJA Submits Nine Demands for Press Freedom Reforms

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has submitted nine proposals calling for an independent press in the Maldives, expressing concern over the state of journalism in the country and warning of further decline in press freedom.

The association said it remained deeply concerned about recent developments affecting media freedom, particularly following the Maldives’ drop in the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It said the situation highlighted the need for urgent safeguards to protect independent journalism.

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MJA said democratic societies could not accept intimidation of journalists or police entering newsrooms, adding that such actions risk undermining accountability and press independence.

📢IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MJA Issues 9 Urgent Demands to the Government to Safeguard Press Freedom in the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/5Np4ubHTCJ— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) May 3, 2026

The association urged the government to take immediate action on a series of reforms to protect press freedom and ensure an enabling environment for journalism.

MJA’s Key Demands:

• Repeal the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act and replace it with a self-regulatory framework developed in consultation with the media community
• End criminal investigations against Adhadhu News and its journalists
• Withdraw travel bans imposed on two Adhadhu News editors
• Halt all ongoing criminal investigations into journalists
• Publish the report of the special committee investigating the disappearance and death of journalist Ahmed Rilwan
• Establish stronger protections for journalists and their families, including mechanisms to ensure safety from threats
• Fully implement the Right to Information Act
• Amend the Evidence Act to remove requirements compelling journalists to disclose sources
• Revise the media grant policy to allow for independent and transparent disbursement of the grant funds

MJA said journalists could only fulfill their role as the fourth estate if they worked in an independent environment. It called on the government to respond to the proposals without delay and invited authorities to engage in dialogue with media professionals.

The association also staged a silent protest outside the President’s Office today, carrying a coffin to symbolise what it described as a growing threat to press freedom. Police intervened during the protest and seized the coffin while it was ongoing.

Earlier today, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in his World Press Freedom Day message, called on journalists to uphold accurate, impartial, and ethical reporting while reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting a free and independent media sector.

In a post on X, he highlighted the importance of media professionals in protecting press freedom and said their role remained central to democratic governance, sustainable development and the promotion of peace. He also urged journalists to exercise responsibility in their reporting.

Meanwhile, RSF ranked the Maldives 108th in its latest index, down from 104th last year, with the country’s score declining from 52.46 to 49.23. The organisation also condemned a recent police raid on Adhadhu News, describing it as “criminalising journalism” and calling for it to stop immediately.