Muizzu Says Free Speech Has Limits as Parliament Weighs Controversial Media Bill

President Mohamed Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony on Utheemu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, on 24 August 2025, said free speech has limits and warned against defamatory remarks. His comments come as Parliament debates the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new regulatory body. Under the bill, the president would appoint the chair and three of seven members, and the regulator could suspend registrations, revoke licenses, and impose fines up to MVR 100,000. The bill has drawn criticism from the Maldives Journalists Association, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Media Council, who warn it threatens press freedom. Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized Muizzu's remarks and vowed to repeal the bill under a future MDP government.

President Mohamed Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony on Utheemu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, on 24 August 2025, said free speech has limits and warned against defamatory remarks. His comments come as Parliament debates the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new regulatory body. Under the bill, the president would appoint the chair and three of seven members, and the regulator could suspend registrations, revoke licenses, and impose fines up to MVR 100,000. The bill has drawn criticism from the Maldives Journalists Association, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Media Council, who warn it threatens press freedom. Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized Muizzu's remarks and vowed to repeal the bill under a future MDP government.

President Mohamed Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony on Utheemu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, on 24 August 2025, said free speech has limits and warned against defamatory remarks. His comments come as Parliament debates the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new regulatory body. Under the bill, the president would appoint the chair and three of seven members, and the regulator could suspend registrations, revoke licenses, and impose fines up to MVR 100,000. The bill has drawn criticism from the Maldives Journalists Association, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Media Council, who warn it threatens press freedom. Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized Muizzu's remarks and vowed to repeal the bill under a future MDP government.

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