South Hulhumalé MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has accused the government of systematically violating people’s rights in an attempt to establish a “secret state.”
Speaking on Rajje TV yesterday, Dr. Shamheed said democratic progress achieved since the enactment of the 2008 Constitution is being reversed under the current administration. He voiced concern over media freedom, noting that the government’s involvement in the Media Council undermines its independence and contradicts international norms.
He argued that the proposed Media Bill in Parliament is designed to curtail press freedom and restrict independent journalism. “We are seeing the color of running a secret state. I fear where the country is heading by 2028,” he said, adding that the government appears to be working under a broader plan.
Dr. Shamheed also criticized the PNC-led administration for withholding information from the public and warned that the Maldives is regressing to pre-2008 conditions. He said democracy must be strengthened gradually, with increasing freedom for the media every five years, rather than weakened.
Speaking on Rajje TV yesterday, Dr. Shamheed said democratic progress achieved since the enactment of the 2008 Constitution is being reversed under the current administration. He voiced concern over media freedom, noting that the government’s involvement in the Media Council undermines its independence and contradicts international norms.
He argued that the proposed Media Bill in Parliament is designed to curtail press freedom and restrict independent journalism. “We are seeing the color of running a secret state. I fear where the country is heading by 2028,” he said, adding that the government appears to be working under a broader plan.
Dr. Shamheed also criticized the PNC-led administration for withholding information from the public and warned that the Maldives is regressing to pre-2008 conditions. He said democracy must be strengthened gradually, with increasing freedom for the media every five years, rather than weakened.
