The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) today presented nine demands to the government, calling for the full protection of press freedom and the establishment of a safe, conducive environment for journalists in the Maldives.
The MJA stated that the intimidation of journalists and police raids on newsrooms are unacceptable in a democratic society. The association characterized these actions as deliberate attempts to harass and obstruct journalists in their efforts to hold the government accountable.
"The Maldives Journalist Association is deeply concerned by the dangerous state of press freedom in the country. Given the significant decline in the Maldives' ranking on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), we believe immediate action is necessary to protect press freedom," the association said.
The nine demands submitted by the MJA to the government are:
- Repeal of Media Control Legislation: Immediately repeal the "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Act" introduced by the current administration to control media outlets, and initiate efforts to establish a self-regulatory mechanism in consultation with the media community.
- Stop Criminal Investigations Against Adhadhu and its Journalists: Immediately withdraw all criminal allegations and halt investigations against Adhadhu and its editors, Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed, following a documentary published by the outlet. Furthermore, all items seized during the police raid on the newsroom must be returned unconditionally.
- Lifting Travel Bans on Editors: Immediately revoke the travel bans currently imposed on Adhadhu editors Hussain Fiyaz Moosa and Hassan Mohamed.
- Ending Criminal Investigations into Media Work: Cease the practice of using criminal allegations and investigations to target journalists and media organizations over their professional work or published content.
- Death Commission Reports and Public Inquiry: Publicize the reports compiled by the Presidential Commission on Deaths and Disappearances regarding the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the brutal murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed, and conduct an open, independent public inquiry.
- Journalist Safety: Take serious action regarding threats against journalists and their families and establish a robust national mechanism for journalist safety. Immediate steps must also be taken to ensure police provide adequate protection to journalists covering volatile situations, such as protests.
- Implementation of the RTI Act: Fully comply with the Right to Information Act and eliminate existing barriers within government agencies that hinder the disclosure of information.
- Amendment of the Evidence Act: Amend provisions in the Evidence Act that compel journalists to reveal their sources, ensuring the law aligns with international standards.
- Reform of Media Grants: Ensure that state budget grants for media outlets are distributed independently, fairly, and transparently. A system for this must be developed through consultation with journalists, editors, media organizations, civil society, and international partners.
The MJA emphasized that journalism can only function as the fourth pillar of the state and hold those in power accountable if there is an environment where the press can operate freely.
To prevent a further decline in the Maldives' Press Freedom Index ranking, the association urged the government to respond immediately to these demands and invited the administration to the discussion table with all media stakeholders.
