AG pledges to address journalists' concerns over media bill
The campaign argues that passing the bill would conflict with the president's stated policy on media freedom.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham assured journalists on Sunday that their concerns regarding the proposed Media Control Bill would be addressed.
The assurance came during a meeting with senior journalists and campaigners organised by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) in collaboration with the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Transparency Maldives.
The meeting was attended by Attorney General Usham, Presidential Communications Minister Ibrahim Haleel, and Information Minister Ibrahim Waheed. The AG’s Office shared photos of the meeting and issued a statement affirming Usham’s commitment to considering the concerns raised by journalists.
“Attorney General Usham assured the journalists that their concerns would be addressed,” the statement read.
The media commission bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abu Bakr, proposes granting authority to regulate the media to a commission appointed by the president. Since its introduction, the bill has faced significant criticism from media organisations and civil society groups, which argue that it could undermine press freedom.
The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a majority in parliament, has not yet decided whether to accept or reject the bill. The PNC parliamentary group and government officials have stated that the bill is still under review.
President Mohamed Muizzu has publicly stated his opposition to government control of the media. In light of the president’s stance, a campaign, led by the Maldives Journalists Association, has called for the bill to be rejected.
The campaign argues that passing the bill would conflict with the president's stated policy on media freedom.
