Parliament Accepts Media Bill Amid Strong Criticism and Journalist Protests

Parliament today accepted a controversial media bill that has sparked strong criticism from opposition MPs and journalists, who staged a protest outside the Majlis. The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was taken up during a special sitting convened from recess. A total of 49 MPs voted in favour and 12 against. The legislation has now been sent to an independent committee for further review.

During the debate, Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, a former journalist representing the ruling party, said that although some concerns had been addressed, he supported the bill. He argued that journalism should have defined boundaries and described the legislation as a framework to determine the rights of journalists. Azaan, however, noted certain issues within the bill, including provisions enabling the closure of a newspaper during an investigation and measures linked to national security. He called for extensive dialogue with stakeholders, including journalists, before any final decision is made.

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Opposition MPs strongly criticised the bill. South Hithadhoo MP and Parliament Minority Leader Ibrahim Nazil warned that the seven-member commission proposed under the bill would operate directly under presidential authority, calling for its immediate withdrawal. His Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) colleagues echoed his concerns and urged Parliament to reject the legislation.

Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas of MDA went further, arguing that the design of the bill suggested its main purpose was to conceal government misconduct while promoting harmful ideologies.

If passed, the bill would impose fines of between MVR 5,000 and MVR 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 legislation risks eroding press freedom and placing independent journalism under tighter government control.

Meanwhile, journalists demonstrating outside Parliament during today’s session expressed concern that the bill represents a significant threat to media independence in the Maldives.