Journalists protesting against a controversial bill aimed at regulating independent media have stressed that the legislation is a deliberate attempt to shield the government from scrutiny and conceal corruption and fraud.

The bill, proposed by independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, has sparked widespread backlash from the press and civil society. Critics claim the bill, which significantly undermines media freedom, was introduced at the instruction of the current administration. Despite the outcry, the bill has been accepted by the People’s Majlis and forwarded to the Committee on Independent Institutions for review.

Notably, the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a parliamentary majority, has rallied behind the bill, pushing for its expedited passage. The committee has already convened multiple meetings to fast-track the bill, including two sittings on Tuesday and Wednesday that were held behind closed doors, in violation of standard parliamentary procedures requiring transparency.

As pressure mounts to pass the legislature, journalists have intensified their protests. On Wednesday, reporters gathered outside parliament to denounce the committee’s secretive handling of the review process. The protest later moved to the journalists' designated area near the President’s Office, where a growing number of media professionals continue to demonstrate against the bill.

Protesting journalists are calling for the immediate withdrawal of what they describe as a draconian and illegitimate piece of legislation. They argue the real intent behind the bill is to muzzle independent reporting, thereby enabling the government to cover up acts of corruption and misconduct.

The protesting journalists noted that this is not just about controlling the media, it is about silencing dissent and hiding the truth from the public, adding that the journalists will not be complicit in such a blatant attack on press freedom.

Journalists assert that media independence is non-negotiable and warn that any law designed to suppress free reporting is inherently invalid. They have vowed to defy the bill should it pass, emphasizing that the freedom of the press is protected both under democratic principles and international norms.

Calling the legislation a clear act of oppression, journalists also urged the government to halt its authoritarian slide and respect the constitutional rights of the people, particularly the right to information.

Highlighting that the bill is not about regulation, the protesters claimed that it is about repression, adding that the government must stop their attempts to silence the media and instead, focus on addressing the real issues plaguing the country.