The parliament's committee on independent institutions has decided to file a police complaint over threats made to journalists for protesting against the government-backed bill to dismantle free media.
The bill which proposes to form a regulatory body with members appointed by the President, including the chairperson, was put forward by government-aligned MP for Thulhaadhoo Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
The bill was accepted for consideration by the People's Majlis with supermajority from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) despite concern from local and international NGOs.
It is currently being reviewed by the committee for independent institutions. On Monday, the committee held a meeting with journalists. All the journalists requested for the bill to be rejected while some expressed concern about threats.
MP for Galolhu South Meekail Naseem from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) proposed to take the initiative to file a police complaint in connection with the threats to journalists.
Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef from PNC backed the proposal. It was passed unanimously by the members at the committee meeting.
Some journalists have been stalked and threatened with photos posted on social media. The government's political appointees have also tried to label journalists as activists and made unfounded accusations of corruption.
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.
On Thursday, the government said there was no reason to withdraw the bill despite concern from journalists, NGOs and political parties.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham made the remarks after the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) met President Mohamed Muizzu and requested for the bill to be withdrawn.
