Committee rejects journalists’ petition against media bill
The petition, submitted to the President’s Office and Parliament on 3 September, urged the withdrawal of the bill.
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The Petitions Committee of Parliament on Tuesday rejected a petition signed by 151 journalists calling for the withdrawal of the media regulation bill.
The petition, submitted to the President’s Office and Parliament on 3 September, urged the withdrawal of the bill, which seeks to establish a government-controlled commission to oversee media and social media.
The committee, which began reviewing the petition after delays prompted criticism from journalists, decided it lacked the authority to act. Chairman Mohamed Ali said the committee could not decide on the passage of legislation but could only address concerns. He noted that the Committee on Independent Institutions, which is currently reviewing the bill, had been asked to consider the issues raised by journalists.
During the session, Hinnavaru MP Mohamed Abdul Rahman proposed dismissing the petition. The motion was carried with five votes in favour, one against, and one abstention.
The decision came as journalists continued protests outside Parliament. Following the vote, the Speaker criticised the demonstrations, stating that they sent the wrong message to nearby schools.
