MJA announces civil disobedience campaign against media law

Journalists in the Maldives have launched a civil movement called Fullstop to defend basic rights following the passage and ratification of the Media Regulation Act.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the bill on Thursday, two days after it was passed by Parliament. The new law establishes a government-backed commission to regulate the media, replacing existing independent institutions. Journalists argue that the law will place media under government influence and have pledged not to recognise it.

The Fullstop movement began at 8:30 pm on Friday evening at Usfasgandu with the participation of a large number of journalists and members of the public.

Speaking at the rally, Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) Vice-President and Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan said the campaign marked the start of a wider effort.

“The voice that journalists used to raise in defence of freedom of expression will now be raised in defence of all basic rights,” he said. “We are standing together to put a full stop to theft, corruption, wasteful spending and abuse of power.”

Shahzan said the movement would grow in strength and involve wider civil society participation. He added that journalists would continue to resist the new law, which they consider designed to restrict coverage of government conduct.

MJA President and Dhauru Senior Editor Ahmed Naif said the movement’s main focus would be to promote accountability and clean governance. He said the initiative would also collect views from young people on issues including the economy and social justice, compile them into a manifesto, and advocate for their inclusion in policymaking.

The MJA has already announced a boycott of the commission created under the Act and is working to establish an independent self-regulatory framework for the press. The association has also decided to pursue legal action, arguing that the law contravenes the Constitution and international best practice.