Maldives pesident ratifies media regulation bill amid protests
The legislation, passed with 60 votes during an extraordinary parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, dissolves the Broadcasting Commission and the Media Council.
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President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday ratified the media regulation bill, disregarding appeals from journalists, media organisations, and international bodies.
The legislation, passed with 60 votes during an extraordinary parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, dissolves the Broadcasting Commission and the Maldives Media Council.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act was introduced by Thulhaadhoo independent MP Hannan Abubakar. Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim stated at the time of the vote that the bill had been moved by an independent member on behalf of the government.
The parliamentary session took place as journalists, members of the public, and opposition representatives staged protests outside the Parliament building, calling for the withdrawal of the bill.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has rejected the law, arguing that the Media Council should consist only of representatives from the press. Under the new law, Parliament will appoint three members and the chairperson of the seven-member commission.
The President’s Office said the new law is intended to strengthen and uphold press freedom in the Maldives.
In the interim, the Civil Service Commission will form a five-member committee to manage the functions of the two dissolved institutions until the new commission is established.
