Journalists report threats amid protests against media bill

Journalists protesting against the proposed media regulation bill have reported receiving death threats, while family members employed in government positions have also been threatened.

The Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament on Monday approved the bill during a closed-door meeting, despite concerns raised by journalists. The bill was passed with amendments, but the changes did not address issues highlighted by media representatives.

Journalists gathered outside Parliament on Tuesday morning to continue their protest. According to Ahmed Naif, Senior Associate Editor of Dhauru and President of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), individual reporters have received threatening messages.

“Journalists protesting here are being told they will be killed or stabbed. Families of journalists working in government jobs are also receiving calls with threats to dismiss them,” Naif said. He added that despite these threats, journalists would continue to oppose the bill.

The protest has been joined by journalists from leading newspapers and television stations. Police barricaded the area outside Parliament, and several journalists were injured when police attempted to disperse them. Protesters, however, continued to raise their concerns in the vicinity.

The agenda for Tuesday’s parliamentary session has not been disclosed. Opposition members who visited the area said they had not been informed of the time of the sitting, while some members of the ruling PNC indicated that a session might take place later in the day.