Bar Council urges major amendments to media bill

The Bar Council on Monday called on the government and Parliament to consult media authorities and introduce major amendments to the media regulation bill before it is passed.

The Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament earlier in the day approved the bill with minor changes, despite objections from journalists and international organisations. An extraordinary parliamentary session has been scheduled for Tuesday, raising concerns among media groups that the bill could be passed without further review.

In a statement posted on X, the Bar Council confirmed that it had submitted its views on the bill. The council urged that significant changes be made in line with the recommendations of the Legal Reform and Research Commission (LRRC), the Constitution, and international standards.

It further called for extensive consultation with relevant media bodies before the bill is passed and for adequate time to be given for public feedback.

The bill proposes transferring the power to appoint members of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission from the President to Parliament. Journalists have argued that this does not address concerns of political influence, as Parliament is dominated by the ruling party.