Journalists sound alarm over bill to shackle free media

Journalists across the Maldives have launched protests demanding the immediate rejection of a controversial bill submitted to the People’s Majlis, which they say threatens press freedom and seeks to tighten government control over independent media.

The protest began at 8:30am on Wednesday, with journalists gathering near the People’s Majlis. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation, arguing that it poses a serious threat to transparency, press independence, and democratic accountability.

Journalists also protested inside the gallery and outside the parliament on the day the bill was introduced.

Protesters stressed that the bill is far more restrictive than what a free society should accept, and that it attempts to suppress journalism that exposes corruption and tells the truth about the state of the nation.

Journalists argued that the media is already regulated by two independent institutions, the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom), and stressed that any necessary reforms should be made in consultation with media stakeholders. Protesters allege that the bill is a deliberate attempt by the government to suppress independent journalism and exert control over the media landscape.

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill was submitted to parliament on 19 August 2025 by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency. Though officially an independent member, the lawmaker has consistently voted in support of the government.

The bill has faced widespread condemnation. The Maldives Media Council (MMC), the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), and numerous media professionals have called for its complete withdrawal. The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has also joined the call, describing the bill as a dangerous step backward for press freedom in the country.