Journalists who gathered in front of the President's Office to protest against the bill to dismantle the free press have been arrested.
Police have arrested three journalists. They include Moosa Rasheed of Citizen, Ahmed Aaidh of Adhadhu and Lamya from MV Plus.
Journalists first protested near the People's Majlis but later gathered near the President's Office. President Mohamed Muizzu had returned to Male' after concluding a tour of Haa Ali atoll.
Speaker Abdulla Abdul Raheem announced that the debate on the bill was stopped in the morning session of the parliament, but it resumed in the afternoon session and has now been accepted for consideration.
Journalists gathered near the President's Office after the government-controlled parliament accepted the bill for consideration. It was passed with the votes of 49 MPs from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
