Opposition Leader Calls for Protests Over Media Control Bill

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on citizens to protest against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill after its passage by Parliament. He called the bill an insult to activists who fought for press freedom. The bill dissolves existing media bodies and creates a new commission with president appointing three of seven members. Police dispersed protesters outside Parliament, and journalists reported being assaulted, with at least two detained. Local and international groups criticized the bill.

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on citizens to protest against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill after its passage by Parliament. He called the bill an insult to activists who fought for press freedom. The bill dissolves existing media bodies and creates a new commission with president appointing three of seven members. Police dispersed protesters outside Parliament, and journalists reported being assaulted, with at least two detained. Local and international groups criticized the bill.

Opposition leader and MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail called on citizens to protest against the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill after its passage by Parliament. He called the bill an insult to activists who fought for press freedom. The bill dissolves existing media bodies and creates a new commission with president appointing three of seven members. Police dispersed protesters outside Parliament, and journalists reported being assaulted, with at least two detained. Local and international groups criticized the bill.

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