Former President of the United Nations General Assembly and current opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has said that attempts to regulate the media will not silence the voice of the people.
His remarks came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Media Control Bill, despite strong opposition from journalists and media associations.
In a post on X, Shahid described the move as a “blatant attempt to stifle free speech and muzzle the media.” He added that the people’s voices “will not be silenced,” stressing that the will of the people always prevails and that oppressive regimes ultimately fail to suppress dissent.
Journalists’ groups, including the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), had earlier urged the government not to pass the bill, citing threats to press freedom and freedom of expression.
His remarks came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Media Control Bill, despite strong opposition from journalists and media associations.
In a post on X, Shahid described the move as a “blatant attempt to stifle free speech and muzzle the media.” He added that the people’s voices “will not be silenced,” stressing that the will of the people always prevails and that oppressive regimes ultimately fail to suppress dissent.
Journalists’ groups, including the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), had earlier urged the government not to pass the bill, citing threats to press freedom and freedom of expression.
