IFJ, MJA Condemn Proposed Media Regulator Bill

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) condemned a proposed media regulation bill introduced in parliament by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The bill would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission chaired by a presidential appointee with powers to suspend licences, block websites, and fine outlets up to MVR 100,000. Journalists could face fines of MVR 5,000 to 25,000. The MJA warns of vaguely defined terms and draconian penalties. The Maldives Media Council (MMC) urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying it undermines constitutional protections. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also opposed it. The MJA urged President Muizzu to champion independent self-regulation. A similar bill was withdrawn last year.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) condemned a proposed media regulation bill introduced in parliament by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The bill would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission chaired by a presidential appointee with powers to suspend licences, block websites, and fine outlets up to MVR 100,000. Journalists could face fines of MVR 5,000 to 25,000. The MJA warns of vaguely defined terms and draconian penalties. The Maldives Media Council (MMC) urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying it undermines constitutional protections. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also opposed it. The MJA urged President Muizzu to champion independent self-regulation. A similar bill was withdrawn last year.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) condemned a proposed media regulation bill introduced in parliament by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. The bill would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission chaired by a presidential appointee with powers to suspend licences, block websites, and fine outlets up to MVR 100,000. Journalists could face fines of MVR 5,000 to 25,000. The MJA warns of vaguely defined terms and draconian penalties. The Maldives Media Council (MMC) urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying it undermines constitutional protections. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also opposed it. The MJA urged President Muizzu to champion independent self-regulation. A similar bill was withdrawn last year.

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