In a move sparking significant concern among journalists and international observers, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu signed into law a media bill that grants expansive powers to a newly established government-backed commission. The move, which aims to curb the spread of misinformation, also raises alarms about potential overreach, enabling authorities to fine or even close media outlets deemed non-compliant with the new regulations. The Act dissolves the previous Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, consolidating their functions under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The President’s Office asserts that the legislation is designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of the press, yet critics see potential threats to journalistic freedom. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has already vowed legal action, stating their opposition and urging a boycott of the selection of commissioners under this legislation. Concerns have been echoed by the U.S. Embassy in Malé, which urged the government to respect freedoms fundamental to a democratic society.
Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has tried to allay fears by clarifying that personal social media accounts and digital storage devices remain outside the purview of the new law. Nevertheless, advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch, in an open letter, highlighted the opaque development of the bill, noting the absence of journalists from discussions and questioning the independence of the new commission. Concerns about political influence are grounded in the fact that four members of this commission will be appointed by the President and three by Parliament.
The swift passage of this legislation, driven by the ruling People’s National Congress’s supermajority control, took a mere 29 days, ignoring a petition signed by 151 journalists. The MJA criticized the process as a transparent attempt by the executive and legislature to commandeer media control. Amidst these developments, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the implications this legislative change could have on press freedom in the Maldives remain uncertain.