Efforts are underway to gather signatures for a petition submitted to the People’s Majlis, seeking the repeal of the media control law introduced by President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
The petition requires 2,100 signatures before it can be formally tabled on the Majlis floor. The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has already begun the process of collecting the necessary endorsements.
“This law grants absolute powers to a newly created commission that can be weaponized against the media. It utilizes broad and vaguely defined terms such as national security, public social standards, and misinformation, which can be interpreted extensively to target reporting,” the petition states.
The bill was passed in September last year with the support of 60 MPs belonging to the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas was the sole member to vote against the legislation. The vote took place after the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group staged a walkout.
The bill was originally introduced on behalf of the government by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The government initially maintained that it had no direct involvement in the legislation.
Following the ratification of the bill, media regulation is now overseen by a seven-member commission. Three of these members are appointed directly by the Parliament, where Muizzu holds a supermajority, ensuring executive control over the body.
Under this law, the commission is also empowered to regulate social media. While a clause allowing for the fining of individual journalists was removed, the provision to fine media outlets remains intact. Furthermore, the law grants the commission the authority to revoke the registration of any media organization at its discretion.
The commission also holds the power to determine what constitutes "truthful news" and dictates the principles for establishing media ethics.
The regulatory body operates as a shield for the government rather than a protector of journalists. The commission has been accused of issuing warnings and taking punitive action against news outlets and television channels that broadcast dissenting views.
The commission is currently investigating multiple cases involving Adhadhu and has issued several directives against Channel 13. These orders include mandates to remove specific content and to cease live broadcasting.
