Journalists stage silent protest outside President’s Office over new law

Journalists staged a silent protest in front of the President’s Office on Sunday to mark International News Day and Right to Information Day.

The demonstration, which lasted around 30 minutes, saw journalists hold placards calling for the repeal of the recently ratified media regulation act. The new law, ratified on 18 September, has been widely criticised for restricting press freedom and freedom of expression.

The protest took place at the conclusion of President Mohamed Muizzu’s office hours. Journalists said the President did not meet them and instead left the premises through another gate.

This is the second protest held by journalists outside the President’s Office in response to the law. International organisations, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union, have also urged the government to withdraw or amend the Act, citing violations of human rights treaties.

Meanwhile, a government delegation has travelled abroad to defend the legislation. The delegation first visited Sri Lanka, where meetings were held with Sri Lankan journalists at the Maldivian Embassy. Ambassador Masood Imad also attended.

The delegation included:

Following these meetings, articles supporting the government’s position were published in Sri Lankan newspapers.