More than 150 journalists from 40 media outlets have signed a petition urging Parliament to withdraw the Media Regulation Bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
The petition, submitted to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Parliament, argues that the bill would roll back press freedom, push Maldivian journalism several years behind, and damage the country’s standing on the international press freedom index.
Journalists said the bill was drafted without consultation with the media, civil society, or the public, and relies heavily on restrictive broadcasting laws from abroad. They warned that provisions in the bill would give excessive powers to a newly created commission, including the authority to suspend or revoke licenses, thereby enabling political influence over the press.
The petition further stated that replacing the current system of media self-regulation with state oversight would violate constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press freedom.
The journalists called on Parliament to immediately withdraw the bill.
The petition, submitted to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Parliament, argues that the bill would roll back press freedom, push Maldivian journalism several years behind, and damage the country’s standing on the international press freedom index.
Journalists said the bill was drafted without consultation with the media, civil society, or the public, and relies heavily on restrictive broadcasting laws from abroad. They warned that provisions in the bill would give excessive powers to a newly created commission, including the authority to suspend or revoke licenses, thereby enabling political influence over the press.
The petition further stated that replacing the current system of media self-regulation with state oversight would violate constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press freedom.
The journalists called on Parliament to immediately withdraw the bill.
