The Committee to Protect Journalists has voiced significant concern over a proposed media bill in the Maldives, urging President Mohamed Muizzu to dismiss the legislation due to fears it would severely undermine press freedoms. This bill, introduced by independent lawmaker Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, seeks to replace existing media regulatory bodies with a new entity that could significantly centralize and enhance government control over the media landscape.
The proposed law, introduced on August 18, 2025, aims to dissolve both the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, creating in their place the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. This new commission would consist of seven members. The president would have substantial influence, appointing three members and selecting the chairperson. The remaining four would be elected by the media but could be removed via parliamentary vote, raising alarms about potential government overreach.
Among the proposed powers are the ability to impose fines on journalists and media entities, to temporarily or permanently suspend registrations, and to disrupt online and broadcast operations. Such measures have drawn stern rebukes from international media advocates for their potential to stifle independent journalism. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that such provisions would erode the Maldives’ democratic framework, echoing sentiments expressed by other global press freedom organizations.
The Maldives Journalists Association strongly condemned the bill, labeling it a “grave threat” to free press. In their statement, they criticized the lack of consultation with journalists and media outlets during its drafting, asserting that the bill seeks to criminalize media reporting. This position reflects wider concerns about potential governmental encroachment on independent journalism.
This is not the first time such a measure has been attempted in the Maldives. A similar bill introduced in November 2024 was withdrawn after facing substantial opposition from the media community and the president himself, who had previously expressed his commitment to safeguarding media independence by urging his party to reject the legislation. Despite this background, Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru and President Muizzu have so far remained silent on the recent concerns raised by media watchdogs.
Continued international scrutiny and domestic resistance underscore the crucial nature of the impending decision on this media bill, which could set a pivotal precedent for press freedom in the archipelago nation.