Maldives govt under fire for blocking 2 anti-govt websites

Two websites publishing anti-government content have been blocked in Maldives, with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and many members of the public expressing concern over the censorship of anti-government content and describing it as a warning bell. 

The move comes just a week into the government's decision to block pornographic websites. President Mohamed Muizzu also announced on Saturday that his government would block all access to websites that display explicit content.

People in Maldives reported two websites -- kurusee.com and dhiyavaru.com -- as inaccessible on any local networks since Thursday evening.

The government is yet to comment on the matter.

In recent days, both sites have published articles criticising several government decisions and levelled corruption accusations.

MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said that banning anti-government websites is very alarming and concerning.

"It is now very clear and apparent that the only thing keeping in check widespread tyranny is the lack of a gov majority in Parliament. The outlook is bleak and dangerous," the former economic minister said in a post on X. 

In addition to the MDP, many members of the public are also expressing concern on social media. Some have described the move as a step against freedom of expression and a signal that the government will not hesitate to take action against critical journalists and newspapers.

People are recalling similar measures taken against websites that expressed opinions against former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives for 30 years until his defeat in the first multi-party democratic elections in 2008.