Fayyaz Criticises Muizzu’s Remarks on Free Expression, Vows to Repeal Media Bill

Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized President Mohamed Muizzu's National Day remarks on free expression and vowed to repeal the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill under a future MDP government. Fayyaz accused Muizzu of undermining media freedom and curbing political criticism, stating that dictators seek to eliminate political criticism. The bill, introduced by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new body giving the president power to appoint key members. The Maldives Media Council, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Journalists Association condemned the bill as a threat to independent reporting. Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony, emphasized respecting others' dignity and said no one has the freedom to engage in character assassination.

Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized President Mohamed Muizzu's National Day remarks on free expression and vowed to repeal the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill under a future MDP government. Fayyaz accused Muizzu of undermining media freedom and curbing political criticism, stating that dictators seek to eliminate political criticism. The bill, introduced by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new body giving the president power to appoint key members. The Maldives Media Council, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Journalists Association condemned the bill as a threat to independent reporting. Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony, emphasized respecting others' dignity and said no one has the freedom to engage in character assassination.

Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized President Mohamed Muizzu's National Day remarks on free expression and vowed to repeal the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill under a future MDP government. Fayyaz accused Muizzu of undermining media freedom and curbing political criticism, stating that dictators seek to eliminate political criticism. The bill, introduced by government-aligned MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would replace the media council and broadcasting commission with a new body giving the president power to appoint key members. The Maldives Media Council, International Federation of Journalists, and Maldives Journalists Association condemned the bill as a threat to independent reporting. Muizzu, speaking at the National Day ceremony, emphasized respecting others' dignity and said no one has the freedom to engage in character assassination.

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