The media sphere was rocked on Tuesday as the Maldives Police Service (MPS) used brutal and excessive force to disperse a peaceful protest by journalists near the People’s Majlis building.

The demonstration was held in opposition to a controversial bill designed to dismantle independent media, a move many have been calling part of the government's broader, deceptive campaign to silence dissent.

Journalists and concerned citizens who had gathered to protest the so-called media control bill were met with aggression instead of dialogue. Eyewitnesses reported that police violently arrested several protesters, including members of the press, and inflicted serious injuries. Tactics used by officers included kneeling on journalists' heads, forcefully twisting their arms, tearing their clothing, and in several cases, drawing blood.

Despite the violence, the protesters remained defiant, continuing their demonstration even as police pushed them back with increasing force.

Adding fuel to the fire, an extraordinary parliament sitting was hastily convened outside of the regular schedule at 5pm Tuesday, to push the bill through with minimal scrutiny. During the committee meeting earlier in the day, the bill was advanced without allowing opposition lawmaker Meekail Ahmed Naseem the opportunity to even read the final report, a glaring breach of parliamentary norms.

Protests had been ongoing since early Tuesday morning, with journalists rallying against what they describe as an existential threat to press freedom. Yet, rather than address their concerns, authorities responded with suppression. Reports have also emerged that some journalists opposing the bill have received anonymous death threats, further intensifying fears of a crackdown on dissent.

At a time the government raced to pass legislation that many view as a direct attack on freedom of expression, Tuesday’s events underscore a dangerous shift, one that has left the public stunned and the press under siege.