Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged parliament to withdraw the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it poses a serious threat to press freedom in the country.

The debate on the bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, continued in parliament today but concluded without a decision. Solih said the legislation would bring media outlets under government control, impose severe penalties on individual journalists, and fundamentally undermine the independence of the press.

He described the bill as a major attack on the free press, noting that it could abolish independent media and penalize journalists for performing their duties of monitoring and holding the government accountable. Solih emphasized that the media plays a critical role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring transparency across all branches of government.

His remarks come amid growing concerns from journalists and media organizations, who have protested the bill in parliament and warned that its passage could stifle dissent and restrict public access to information.

Solih concluded by urging lawmakers to withdraw the bill, underlining that protecting media freedom is essential for a functioning democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights.