Committee rushes media bill vote without allowing review of counsel general’s advice
Meekail protested during the committee meeting, stating that the vote was being taken "in clear violation of parliamentary regulations"
The Independent Institutions Committee meeting held on Monday
In a deeply troubling move, the parliamentary committee reviewing the controversial media bill passed it without allowing members to review the legal advice provided by Counsel General of the People’s Majlis, Aishath Filza, raising serious concerns about procedural violations and the erosion of press freedom.
Opposition MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protested during the committee meeting, stating that the vote was being taken "in clear violation of parliamentary regulations". His objections were ignored, and the bill was pushed through regardless. Meekail emphasized that members had not been given the chance to read or discuss the Counsel General’s recommendations before the vote was called.
Immediately after the committee approved the bill, a sudden parliamentary sitting was scheduled for Tuesday at 4pm, where it is widely expected that the bill will be passed, without media presence. The lack of transparency has only heightened suspicions that the government is attempting to force the bill through under the cover of secrecy.
Outside the People’s Majlis, journalists have been staging protests since early Tuesday morning, calling for the bill to be withdrawn and warning that it would effectively dismantle press freedom in the Maldives. In response, police have used force to disperse the protest, resulting in multiple journalists sustaining injuries. Despite the crackdown, journalists continue to resist, even as police aggressively clear the area.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, journalists actively speaking out against the bill have begun receiving death threats. Those targeted include Ahmed Aaid and Mohamed Shahuzaan of Adhadhu News, and Ahmed Naif of Dhauru News, a disturbing development that underscores the dangerous climate for independent media under the current administration.
This latest sequence of events paints a troubling picture: a government-backed bill, rushed through committee without proper review, media barred from attending sessions, journalists attacked in the streets, and dissent silenced with threats.
As the People’s Majlis moves forward with a law that could bring the independent press under political control, concerns continue to mount over the government's disregard for democratic norms, rule of law, and the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
