More than 150 journalists have signed and submitted a petition today to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the People’s Majlis, demanding the rejection of the controversial media regulation bill currently under review.
The bill, which has already been accepted for consideration in the Majlis and is now at the committee stage, proposes the establishment of a commission with broad powers to regulate the media. Journalists argue that the commission, being influenced by the government, could impose severe restrictions on media outlets, journalists, and even individuals expressing opinions on social media.
In the petition submitted this afternoon, journalists stressed that the bill was drafted without consultation with media professionals, civil society, or the public. They argue that it undermines press freedom, narrows the role of journalists, and creates avenues for external influence over independent reporting.
Concerns highlighted in the petition include provisions allowing the proposed commission to temporarily suspend licenses while cases are under investigation, effectively enabling indefinite closures of news outlets. Journalists also warn that dismantling the current self-regulatory framework in favor of a government-controlled system would severely erode media independence in the Maldives.
Citing the Constitution, the petition underscores that restrictions on civil and political rights can only be imposed within the limits accepted in free and democratic societies. On that basis, it calls for the Majlis to reject and return the bill.
The petition was formally sponsored in the People’s Majlis by Mohamed Abbas, the MP for Velidhoo constituency.
