Former Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has stated that the press freedom achieved through the blood and sweat of many has regressed under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, sliding back into the atmosphere of fear that existed 18 years ago.
In a post on X marking World Press Freedom Day, Fayyaz asserted that the commission established under the media control legislation passed last year is being utilized to obstruct independent journalists and news outlets critical of the government.
"Journalists face constant threats and harassment for speaking out against corruption and government incompetence, and must be protected from state persecution. We must repeal the control bill, encourage self regulated, independent journalism, and create space for free expression," he wrote.
" The media control bill, and the control commission act as tools for the president to use for suppressing dissent and intimidating independent journalists."Fayyaz Ismail
He emphasized that no news organization should have to operate under the threat of closure and maintained that journalists must not face intimidation from the government.
" A free press is the only path to true accountability. To the journalists on the front lines: we stand with you," he added.
As World Press Freedom Day is observed today, police recently raided the Adhadhu office and seized its equipment. Furthermore, authorities have withheld the passports of the outlet's CEO, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, and Managing Editor, Hassan Mohamed. These actions have drawn widespread public criticism against the government.
