Former President Mohamed Nasheed has publicly called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to withhold ratification of the controversial media control bill, which was submitted to the People’s Majlis with the full backing of the government.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Thursday, Nasheed appealed to Muizzu “as a former writer and former prisoner of conscience,” stating: “My plea is for President Dr. Muizzu not to ratify the media bill.”

Nasheed warned that when governments restrict freedom of expression, it inevitably leads to a less free and less prosperous nation. His remarks add to a growing chorus of domestic and international voices urging the government to reject the bill, which critics say would place extreme control over journalism and broadcasting in the hands of the state.

Journalists, press freedom organizations, and the largest opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have all condemned the legislation. International watchdogs have also expressed concern over the bill’s potential to suppress independent media and criminalize dissent.

Despite ongoing protests outside the People’s Majlis by journalists and MDP members on Wednesday, the parliament, now firmly under President Muizzu’s influence, accepted the bill and forwarded it to the Independent Institutions Committee for review.

Tensions escalated during the protest, with several journalists who voiced opposition being forcefully removed from the scene. Some were taken into police custody but were later released without charges.