The police and the government have lied about arresting journalists for protesting against the bill to dismantle free press.
In a statement, police denied arresting journalists in front of the President's Office on Wednesday afternoon.
Home Minister Ali Ihusaan also said in a post on X that no journalists were taken into police custody during the protest.
But, four journalists were arrested on Wednesday. They were Muzayyin Nazim of Dhauru, Moosa Rasheeed of Citizen, Ahmed Aaidh of Adhadhu and Lamya Abdul Hadi of MV Plus.
They were forced into a police vehicle, warned against protesting and released with the condition that they do not stay near the President's Office.
Journalists are continuing their protest today by gathering near the President's Office. They are demanding a meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu.
Government-aligned Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru proposed the bill. This is the second time he proposed this bill.
The bill was accepted for review by the government-controlled parliament after a debate on Wednesday despite appeals by journalists for its withdrawal.
Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs have defended the bill while President Mohamed Muizzu continues to push for changes to control the press.
The bill suggests the formation of a commission controlled by the President to "regulate the media." Journalists could face fines while news outlets can be blocked, suspended or banned.
It also says the measures will apply to social media. This means the general public's freedom of expression will be restricted.
