Maldives Journalist Association urges pushback against new media bill

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has urged the prompt retraction of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, cautioning that it presents a significant danger to press freedom and might place the nation’s media under direct governmental oversight.

In a forceful statement released on Tuesday, MJA remarked that the bill, presented by Thulaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, “will thoroughly undermine the liberties of journalism and media in the Maldives,” reflecting worries previously expressed regarding an earlier iteration of the suggestion.

MJA argued that the bill is designed for authorities such as the President to control and intimidate journalists, dictating the conduct of mass media in the Maldives. The association also pointed out that the vague terms in the draft will likely be manipulated and exploited unfairly, enabling punitive fines, forced shutdowns of newspapers, website blocks, and even severe punishments for individual journalists.