The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has voiced strong concerns over the proposed "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Act," introduced by an independent MP. The party warns that if passed as it currently stands, it could significantly slow progress in journalism.
The bill proposes merging the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) into a single regulatory body, a move the MDP argues would compromise media freedom. According to the MDP’s statement, the new commission would give the President considerable control over the media, as four of the seven commission members, including the President and Vice-President of the Commission, would be presidential appointees.
Following a meeting with members of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), the MDP highlighted journalists' concerns about the abolition of the Maldives Media Council and the increased power of the proposed Media Commission over media regulation. Journalists fear this restructuring could hinder independent reporting, particularly with provisions in the bill that penalize journalists for publishing content deemed defamatory or not "impartial."
The bill includes a code of conduct for journalists prohibiting publishing content that could harm a person’s dignity or respect, raising worries among media professionals about limitations on freedom of expression. Provisions within the bill allow for fines against the media and journalists at the commission's discretion, which the MDP says infringes on free speech rights.
The MDP's statement read that this bill could reverse Maldives’ progress in journalism. It added that it would impose undue restrictions on press freedom, creating significant challenges for journalists.
The MDP also emphasized its commitment to defending freedom of speech, promising to take necessary action to address journalists' concerns and uphold free expression.
Addressing these concerns, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently stated that he does not support undue restrictions on the press, emphasizing that all Maldivians have the right to freely express themselves within the bounds of Islam and the nation’s Constitution.
Despite this reassurance, the MDP’s statement reflects deep concerns about press freedoms. It recalls that Maldivian journalism faced significant challenges under previous administrations. The debate over this bill has raised critical questions about the future of media freedom in the Maldives.
The bill proposes merging the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) into a single regulatory body, a move the MDP argues would compromise media freedom. According to the MDP’s statement, the new commission would give the President considerable control over the media, as four of the seven commission members, including the President and Vice-President of the Commission, would be presidential appointees.
Following a meeting with members of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), the MDP highlighted journalists' concerns about the abolition of the Maldives Media Council and the increased power of the proposed Media Commission over media regulation. Journalists fear this restructuring could hinder independent reporting, particularly with provisions in the bill that penalize journalists for publishing content deemed defamatory or not "impartial."
The bill includes a code of conduct for journalists prohibiting publishing content that could harm a person’s dignity or respect, raising worries among media professionals about limitations on freedom of expression. Provisions within the bill allow for fines against the media and journalists at the commission's discretion, which the MDP says infringes on free speech rights.
The MDP's statement read that this bill could reverse Maldives’ progress in journalism. It added that it would impose undue restrictions on press freedom, creating significant challenges for journalists.
The MDP also emphasized its commitment to defending freedom of speech, promising to take necessary action to address journalists' concerns and uphold free expression.
Addressing these concerns, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently stated that he does not support undue restrictions on the press, emphasizing that all Maldivians have the right to freely express themselves within the bounds of Islam and the nation’s Constitution.
Despite this reassurance, the MDP’s statement reflects deep concerns about press freedoms. It recalls that Maldivian journalism faced significant challenges under previous administrations. The debate over this bill has raised critical questions about the future of media freedom in the Maldives.
