Journalists have started signing a petition calling for the withdrawal of the Media and Broadcasting Commission bill proposed by the government to dismantle free press in the Maldives.
The petition was created by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). Editors and journalists from major news outlets have signed, including current and former members of the Maldives Media Council (MMC).
Muzayyin Nazim, MMC member and Dhauru reporter, told Adhadhu that only journalists have signed the petition so far, but a digital version will be soon opened for the public.
Government-aligned Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru proposed the bill without consulting the MMC and MJA. This is the second time he has proposed the bill.
Although the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) rejected the first bill, MPs spoke in favour of the second bill after its first reading in the People's Majlis. The bill is now at the committee stage.
Since then, President Mohamed Muizzu has repeatedly attacked press freedom and warned that freedom of expression should be withing certain limits. But on Monday night, Muizzu said he would suggest some changes to the proposed legislation.
International organisations have also denounced the bill and called on the government to withdraw it.
The new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be established if the bill is approved by the government-controlled People's Majlis. The commission will be made up of seven members, three of whom will be appointed by the President.
The bill does not explain why a commission to regulate the media needs members appointed by the President. It further states that the Chairperson of the commission will also be appointed by the President.
The bill gives the new commission substantial powers. These include fines of up to MVR 100,000 for media outlets and temporary cancellation of registration before a case is investigated. The commission can also go to court to revoke a registration.
The commission will also be empowered to issue orders to block a news website or stop a broadcast while it investigates a case.
