Nasheed urges all-party meeting on controversial media bill
He has previously urged President Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the bill, describing it as a measure that undermines freedom of expression.
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Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that an all-party meeting is necessary to address the bill proposed in Parliament to establish a government-powered commission to regulate the media.
The bill, which proposes sanctions on media outlets, journalists, and individuals publishing opinion content on social media, has been accepted by Parliament despite calls from journalists and both local and international organisations for its withdrawal.
The bill has now been forwarded for comments to:
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Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom)
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Maldives Media Council (MMC)
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Ministry of Youth
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Attorney General’s Office
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Maldives Journalists Association (MJA)
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Registered media outlets
Nasheed, who worked as a journalist before entering politics, said press freedom is vital, though journalists should be held accountable for their work.
“I think a meeting of all political parties on the media bill is necessary,” Nasheed wrote, noting his experience in the reform movement that brought multi-party democracy to the Maldives.
He has previously urged President Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the bill, describing it as a measure that undermines freedom of expression.
