Opposition Leader Manhandled During Protests Over Media Bill

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail was manhandled by police during protests against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé on 16 September 2025. Witnesses said police used force and several protesters were injured. The bill, replacing media oversight bodies with a president-appointed commission, has cleared its first reading and is under committee review. The government defends it as necessary for accountability, while protests continue.

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail was manhandled by police during protests against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé on 16 September 2025. Witnesses said police used force and several protesters were injured. The bill, replacing media oversight bodies with a president-appointed commission, has cleared its first reading and is under committee review. The government defends it as necessary for accountability, while protests continue.

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail was manhandled by police during protests against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé on 16 September 2025. Witnesses said police used force and several protesters were injured. The bill, replacing media oversight bodies with a president-appointed commission, has cleared its first reading and is under committee review. The government defends it as necessary for accountability, while protests continue.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of protests / media law.