President says journalists must comply with new media law

President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday warned journalists that the newly ratified Media Regulation Act must be respected and said he would not allow anyone to disregard the law.

The remarks were made at a rally in V. Felidhoo, a day after he ratified the bill that has faced strong opposition from local journalists and international organisations. Critics argue that the law restricts freedom of expression and gives government influence over the media.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has announced it will not recognise the Act, has boycotted the planned election of members to the new commission created under the law, and is working to establish an independent self-regulatory system.

Defending the legislation, Muizzu said the Act does not restrict freedoms but instead ensures accountability.

“There is nothing that can be done in this country without upholding the laws. I will not allow that. The people elected me to uphold the Constitution. I will establish the rule of law here. Everyone will be equal,” he said.

The President argued that the law only prohibits unverified stories and does not prevent truthful reporting. “There is complete freedom in the media to speak the truth. There is freedom to bring the truth to the people. There are no restrictions,” he said.

Muizzu also criticised journalists for opposing the law without fully reviewing it. He said he had not met any journalist who had read the full text of the Act, adding that some concerns were based on misinformation.

Journalists and civil society organisations have consistently expressed concerns about the bill since its introduction in Parliament. They argue that the law was amended and passed without addressing key issues, including provisions seen as limiting free expression and allowing government control of oversight bodies.

Foreign organisations have also called on the government not to proceed with the legislation, citing risks to media freedom.

Despite the criticism, Muizzu maintained that the Act is necessary to protect dignity and respect in public life and to prevent unverified information from being spread.