Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq has said he will not support passing the proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in its current form.
Speaking during the debate on the bill moved by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, Azaan said, while he agreed the media should operate within certain boundaries, the current draft poses serious risks. He particularly opposed the provision that allows media to be suspended immediately once a commission begins investigating a case, calling it unacceptable and a potential tool for political influence.
His remarks come amid widespread opposition to the bill. The Maldives Media Council has urged parliament to reject it, while the Maldives Journalists Association has launched a petition calling for its withdrawal. Journalists also staged protests outside parliament today.
The bill seeks to create a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, abolishing the existing Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission. It also introduces fines of MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for individual journalists and up to MVR 100,000 for media outlets, along with provisions to temporarily or permanently revoke registrations and block websites during investigations.
Speaking during the debate on the bill moved by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, Azaan said, while he agreed the media should operate within certain boundaries, the current draft poses serious risks. He particularly opposed the provision that allows media to be suspended immediately once a commission begins investigating a case, calling it unacceptable and a potential tool for political influence.
His remarks come amid widespread opposition to the bill. The Maldives Media Council has urged parliament to reject it, while the Maldives Journalists Association has launched a petition calling for its withdrawal. Journalists also staged protests outside parliament today.
The bill seeks to create a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, abolishing the existing Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission. It also introduces fines of MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for individual journalists and up to MVR 100,000 for media outlets, along with provisions to temporarily or permanently revoke registrations and block websites during investigations.
