A petition has been submitted to the People's Majlis and the President's Office on behalf of journalists calling for the withdrawal of the government-backed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill.
The petition was signed by 151 journalists from 41 media outlets in the Maldives. They also include freelance journalists.
Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas signed the petition to submit it to the parliament. The petition urges President Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the bill.
The parliament committee on independent institutions is currently reviewing the bill. Journalists attended a committee meeting earlier this week and collectively called for its withdrawal from the government-controlled People's Majlis.
The deadline for the bill is September 15.
On August 28, Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham said there was no reason to withdraw the bill.
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.
