Journalists have started protesting near the People's Majlis as the government-controlled parliament prepares to approve a legislation intending to control freedom of speech and expression in the Maldives.
An extraordinary sitting of the People's Majlis was announced for today, but the Secretariat is yet to inform the time and agenda for the sitting. However, ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs have now gathered inside the parliament compound.
Police closed the Green Zone area surrounding the People's Majlis, President's Office and the Republic Square and a big police presence is observed in these areas. They are preventing journalists from going near the parliament.
Some officers were seen assaulting journalists with Adhadhu's Ahmed Aaidh grabbed by the neck and pushed to the ground. But journalists are continuing with their peaceful protest.
The bill was proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru who sits in the parliament as an independent MP. But the government has been actively promoting the bill with a disinformation campaign about its provisions.
