The UK has called on the Maldives regime to uphold freedom of the press and freedom of expression after President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an unconstitutional legislation to limit rights guaranteed under the constitution.
In a post on social media X, the UK High Commission in Maldives noted that leaders of Commonwealth nations agreed that free and responsible journalism is an essential part of a democracy.
The High Commission was referring to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Samoa in October last year.
"... the leaders of the Commonwealth - including the UK and Maldives - reaffirmed the vital role of free, independent, and responsible media in democracy. We urge all partners to honour and uphold the commitments we made together," the post read.
During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Samoa, member states agreed to uphold press freedom. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Lateef represented the Maldives at the meeting.
Earlier, the US Embassy in Maldives also called on the Muizzu administration not to interfere with the right to freedom of the press and expression.
In a post on X, the embassy said the "United States supports freedom of expression, including for journalists, as a fundamental freedom."
"We urge the Maldives and all countries to uphold the freedoms of expression, including dissenting and opposition voices," the post read.
Adhadhu understands that several other countries and international organizations have shared their concerns with the government.
The government exploited its supermajority in the parliament to push through the bill, which would control registered media and social media. Journalists were beaten, arrested and property was damaged as police used excessive force during protests against the bill.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Muizzu to reject the bill and "uphold his pledge to protect media freedom."
But he disregarded appeals by the local journalist community and international organizations and ratified the legislation on Thursday.
The Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) under the previous self-regulatory system is now dissolved and the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be formed with Muizzu's direct involvement.
But the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) vowed to defy the law and boycott the politicized commission. The association announced the formation of the "Free Press Council" which will act as a self regulatory authority for the media.
Muizzu, who is currently campaigning in the atolls for the local council election, issued as stern warning and said he will not allow anyone to challenge laws and disobey.
"I will not allow anyone to challenge, disobey and defy laws here. I don't have a choice. My oath does not allow me to give that opportunity," he said during the campaign visit ahead of the local council elections.
"I will not allow that to happen. I am saying this with a very good understanding of what I am saying and firmly believing in it," he added.
Former Attorney General Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad earlier warned that those who express opinions displeasing to the government will fall into a "national security category" or a "hate category" when the bill becomes law.
Legal experts have also argued that the law is a violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.
