Journalists Injured in Protests Against Controversial Media Bill

Journalists and protesters were injured during demonstrations against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé. Police used force, including kneeling on heads and twisting hands. The bill would dissolve existing media bodies and create a commission with three of seven members appointed by the president. It passed first reading 49-12 and is under committee review. Opposition and MJA condemn it; government defends it as accountability measure.

Journalists and protesters were injured during demonstrations against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé. Police used force, including kneeling on heads and twisting hands. The bill would dissolve existing media bodies and create a commission with three of seven members appointed by the president. It passed first reading 49-12 and is under committee review. Opposition and MJA condemn it; government defends it as accountability measure.

Journalists and protesters were injured during demonstrations against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill near Parliament in Malé. Police used force, including kneeling on heads and twisting hands. The bill would dissolve existing media bodies and create a commission with three of seven members appointed by the president. It passed first reading 49-12 and is under committee review. Opposition and MJA condemn it; government defends it as accountability measure.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of protests / press freedom.