MJA meets AG Usham to share concerns over media control bill

Nov 17, 2024, 10:34 AM
Minister Asward, AG Usham and Minister Khaleel.

Minister Asward, AG Usham and Minister Khaleel.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has met with Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham to share concerns over the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill.

Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) and Communications Minister at the President's Office Ibrahim Khaleel attended the meeting.

In a post on X, the AG office said Usham assured journalists that their concerns would be resolved.

MJA said they had been told that the government would not support the bill and that they were awaiting a formal announcement.

The association had also requested a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to share concerns over the media control bill.

Last week, MJA warned that press freedom in the Maldives would backslide by several years if the proposed bill to create a government-controlled media commission is approved.

In a press release, MJA said the bill would severely restrict the constitutional right to freedom of the press and impose serious obstacles on the work of journalists.

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