Journalists have launched protests near the People’s Majlis after being removed from a key committee reviewing the controversial media control bill during a closed-door meeting.

Committee members cited the need to protect the privacy of individuals who had submitted feedback on the bill as the reason for barring journalists from the meeting, claiming that personal information could be exposed during the review of those submissions.

In response, journalists have intensified their opposition, not only through physical protests but also via a coordinated social media campaign calling for the bill’s complete rejection.

As the Independent Institutions Committee continued deliberations, journalists formally appeared before the committee to voice their objections. With a deadline for the bill set for September 15, tensions continue to rise.

In a show of unified resistance, 151 journalists from 41 media organizations, including freelance reporters, have submitted a petition urging the parliament and the President’s Office to reject the bill.

Notably, every media outlet that has spoken before the committee has opposed the legislation, echoing concerns that it poses a threat to press freedom and media independence in the Maldives.