TEAM Expresses Concern Over Media Control Law
Photo: TEAMmaldives
Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) has expressed deep concern over the Maldives’ ratification and swift implementation of the new Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act.
TEAM members are deeply concerned by the Maldives’ ratification & rushed implementation of the Media Control Law. Despite intnl community is calling for the repealing of this law, our members stand in solidarity with MV journalists for press freedom✊📢#PressFreedom @mjamaldives pic.twitter.com/uML3Var4MV
— TEAM (@TEAMmaldives) September 28, 2025advertisement
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The organisation said its members stand in solidarity with Maldivian journalists in support of press freedom, noting that the law has been widely criticised by the international community, which has called for its repeal.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act earlier this month after it was passed by Parliament with 60 votes in favour and one against. The vote was held in a special sitting during the parliamentary recess, amid protests both inside the chamber and outside the parliament building.
Under the new legislation, the Maldives Media Council (MMC) is dissolved, while the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) is restructured and renamed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The new body will comprise seven members, with three appointed by Parliament and four elected by media outlets.
Among the elected members, two will represent broadcasting media and two will represent other types of media. The President of the Commission will be appointed by Parliament, and the Vice President will be chosen by the Commission members.
Until the new Commission is formally established, its duties will be carried out by a five-member interim committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission.
The Act authorises the Commission to impose fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 250,000 on broadcasters, and between MVR 5,000 and MVR 100,000 on news organisations.
The legislation has faced strong criticism from both local and international organisations for its broad and ambiguous clauses related to “public order” and “national security.” Critics argue that these provisions could potentially be used to suppress independent journalism and restrict media freedom in the Maldives.
