Prominent lawyer Mariyam Shunana has described the government-backed bill to dismantle free media as legislation that will destroy freedom and democracy in the Maldives.
The forum titled Khiyaalaayi Fikuru Kafunah was held by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) at the Artificial Beach on Saturday night and members of the public expressed their views on the draconian bill.
"How can people have the same opinion on everything? Employees of state-owned enterprises are now scared to speak about politicians and policies. They fear losing their jobs. Freedom of expression is already restricted," Shunana stated.
She said an independent media does not exist in the Maldives because many news outlets are scared to publish anti-government articles for fear of financial repercussions from state-owned enterprises.
"This is a very young democracy. Journalists have very limited space to do their job. Now they are trying to completely destroy democracy. They are trying to destroy freedom," Shunana said.
She warned that the Maldives would fall into a dictatorship if the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill is passed and called on everyone to pressure the government to withdraw it from the People's Majlis.
Journalists are protesting and conducting a massive campaign on social media to pressure the government to withdraw the bill. A petition has also been submitted to the People's Majlis and the President's Office.
The parliamentary committee on independent institutions is currently reviewing the bill, with a deadline to conclude work by September 15.
The government wants to use the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) supermajority in the People's Majlis to approve the bill. Cabinet ministers, PNC MPs and political appointees have been defending the bill on social media.
