Journalists stage protest near Majlis over media regulation bill

Journalists have staged a protest titled ‘final day’ near the People’s Majlis, voicing strong opposition to the controversial Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which they say threatens press freedom and freedom of expression.

The protest began at the parliament area early Tuesday morning.

The protest comes as the Majlis convenes an extraordinary sitting to deliberate the bill. The sitting, announced on Monday by the Majlis Secretariat, is being held outside the regular parliamentary calendar. However, as of Tuesday morning, neither the agenda nor the timing of the sitting was publicly disclosed.

Journalists report that repeated attempts to obtain details from the parliament media team have been met with vague responses, with officials stating they would share information only after the agenda is finalized.

The Majlis premises was locked down, with the Green Zone completely closed off and a heavy police presence in the area. Journalists were barred from entering, and police have reportedly used force to prevent some protesters from accessing the area. Protesters demanded transparency and urged lawmakers to reject the bill, which they view as a serious threat to democratic principles.

Some lawmakers themselves have expressed concern over the lack of transparency, noting that the sitting’s agenda has not been shared with them in accordance with parliamentary regulations.

Although the bill was introduced by MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru as a non-government proposal, it is being strongly defended by the government, raising further questions about its true origins and intent.

Adding to the controversy, the Independent Institutions Committee of the People’s Majlis passed the bill on Monday during a closed-door meeting, without allowing media personnel or members of the public to attend. This action appears to violate parliamentary rules that require committee meetings to be open to those who wish to observe.

As the meeting unfolded behind closed doors, journalists continue their protest outside, warning that the proposed bill represents a dangerous step backward for media freedom in the Maldives.