Journalists seek audience with President over media bill

Reporters have sought a meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu to voice their worries about a bill presented in Parliament that suggests hefty penalties for media organizations and journalists, along with the revocation of their registration.

Members of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), along with other journalists, held a quiet demonstration in the parliamentary gallery before heading to the President’s Office on Tuesday. A letter with a signature was sent to the office reception, asking the President to schedule a meeting with journalists as soon as possible.

The letter mentioned that the bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar in a personal capacity, contradicts President Muizzu’s previous commitment to maintain press freedom. It also mentioned that numerous journalists want to express their worries directly to the President.

In a press statement released that day, the MJA urged for the bill's withdrawal, contending that it would jeopardize press freedom in the Maldives. The organization stated that the suggested legislation consolidates important regulatory authority with the President and establishes clauses that might criminalize reporters and media organizations.

The initial reading of the bill occurred in Parliament on Tuesday, which was then followed by the commencement of preliminary discussion. Seven individuals addressed the assembly before the Speaker postponed the ongoing discussion to the next parliamentary session, set to commence in October.