Committee reviewing media control bill holds another closed-door meeting, blocking journalists

The Independent Institutions Committee of the People’s Majlis has once again held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to review the controversial bill aimed at controlling independent media, despite growing public backlash and clear violations of parliamentary norms.

The committee’s 32nd meeting, scheduled for 10am on Wednesday, included on its agenda the review of the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. However, journalists attempting to attend were denied access, and the meeting was declared confidential, marking the second consecutive day the committee has operated in secrecy.

Parliamentary regulations typically require committee meetings to be open to the public, especially when reviewing legislation with major implications for civil liberties. Yet Tuesday’s meeting was also held behind closed doors, drawing sharp criticism from media workers and transparency advocates.

The motion to close Wednesday’s meeting was proposed by MP for Thulusdhoo constituency Ibrahim Naseem, who argued that the review process could not be completed that day and that the livestream could potentially reveal the identities of those who submitted public comments on the bill. MP for Kelaa constituency Abdulla Shareef backed the motion, which was then unanimously approved by the committee members in attendance.

The legislature, introduced by MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, is widely seen as a government-backed effort to curtail media freedom. While many government-aligned lawmakers, particularly from the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), are pushing for the bill's swift passage, journalists and media organizations remain strongly opposed.

A petition signed by 152 journalists has already been submitted to both the People's Majlis and the President’s Office, calling for the immediate rejection of the bill. Protesters argue that the legislation represents a direct attack on independent journalism and is intended to silence criticism and conceal corruption.

Adding to the concerns, members of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission have also publicly distanced themselves from the proposed law, stating they do not support the bill in its current form and share journalists’ reservations.

Despite the widespread opposition, the committee continues to operate behind closed doors, further fueling accusations that the government is attempting to stifle transparency and rush through a law that poses a serious threat to democratic accountability.