The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on President Mohamed Muizzu to reject the media control bill.
The government exploited its super majority in the People's Majlis to approve the legislation on Tuesday amid protests by journalists in Male'.
"We urge President Muizzu to reject the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill and uphold his pledge to protect media freedom," the CPJ said in a social media post.
The draconian legislation was approved with votes from 60 MPs of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
Only Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas from the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) voted against it. Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs were expelled from the parliament floor.
A major concern raised by the journalist community was that the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission to be formed under the bill would have members appointed by the President.
