Veteran journalists in the Maldives have called for the immediate withdrawal of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, arguing it threatens press freedom and independent journalism. The bill, proposed by a member of President Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a parliamentary supermajority, has sparked widespread concern among media professionals.
At a press conference on August 26, 2025, senior journalists voiced alarm over the bill’s potential to undermine the democratic progress made in the Maldives over the past two decades. Ahmed Zahir (Hirigaa), Managing Editor of Dhauru newspaper with over 30 years of experience, warned that the bill could revert press freedom to pre-democratic era restrictions. He highlighted provisions that could lead to criminal penalties and imprisonment for journalists, describing them as a direct threat to media independence.
Husein Fiyaz Moosa, Chief Editor and CEO of Adhadhu newspaper, accused the government of pushing the bill with “deceitful intentions” to bring media under presidential control. He emphasized that the existing Media Council already ensures accountability within the industry, having previously penalized outlets for violations. Fiyaz criticized the bill’s provisions allowing media licenses to be suspended and fines imposed before investigations are complete, calling them unconstitutional and unfair.
Moosa Latheef, Chief Editor of Dhauru with nearly 40 years of journalistic experience, echoed these concerns, alleging the bill’s true aim is to suppress the Maldives’ free media and enable government control.
The proposed legislation would impose fines of 5,000 to 25,000 rufiyaa on individual journalists and up to 100,000 rufiyaa on media outlets. Additionally, a new commission would gain sweeping powers, including the ability to revoke media registrations and halt operations during ongoing investigations.
The Media Council and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) have joined the call to scrap the bill, urging the government to abandon plans that could erode freedom of expression. Journalists argue no further consultation is needed, as the media community has already made its opposition clear.
At a press conference on August 26, 2025, senior journalists voiced alarm over the bill’s potential to undermine the democratic progress made in the Maldives over the past two decades. Ahmed Zahir (Hirigaa), Managing Editor of Dhauru newspaper with over 30 years of experience, warned that the bill could revert press freedom to pre-democratic era restrictions. He highlighted provisions that could lead to criminal penalties and imprisonment for journalists, describing them as a direct threat to media independence.
Husein Fiyaz Moosa, Chief Editor and CEO of Adhadhu newspaper, accused the government of pushing the bill with “deceitful intentions” to bring media under presidential control. He emphasized that the existing Media Council already ensures accountability within the industry, having previously penalized outlets for violations. Fiyaz criticized the bill’s provisions allowing media licenses to be suspended and fines imposed before investigations are complete, calling them unconstitutional and unfair.
Moosa Latheef, Chief Editor of Dhauru with nearly 40 years of journalistic experience, echoed these concerns, alleging the bill’s true aim is to suppress the Maldives’ free media and enable government control.
The proposed legislation would impose fines of 5,000 to 25,000 rufiyaa on individual journalists and up to 100,000 rufiyaa on media outlets. Additionally, a new commission would gain sweeping powers, including the ability to revoke media registrations and halt operations during ongoing investigations.
The Media Council and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) have joined the call to scrap the bill, urging the government to abandon plans that could erode freedom of expression. Journalists argue no further consultation is needed, as the media community has already made its opposition clear.
