US Urges Maldives to Uphold Freedom of Expression Following Media Bill Passage

The United States urged the Maldives to uphold freedom of expression after Parliament passed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill. The bill, approved with 60 votes in favour and one against, gives the president sweeping control over media by dissolving existing councils and creating a new commission with president-appointed members. Critics, including rights groups and the Maldives Journalists Association, say it threatens press freedom. President Mohamed Muizzu and ruling PNC MPs defended it as a measure to increase accountability and combat misinformation. The US Embassy in a post on X called for protection of dissenting and opposition voices.

The United States urged the Maldives to uphold freedom of expression after Parliament passed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill. The bill, approved with 60 votes in favour and one against, gives the president sweeping control over media by dissolving existing councils and creating a new commission with president-appointed members. Critics, including rights groups and the Maldives Journalists Association, say it threatens press freedom. President Mohamed Muizzu and ruling PNC MPs defended it as a measure to increase accountability and combat misinformation. The US Embassy in a post on X called for protection of dissenting and opposition voices.

The United States urged the Maldives to uphold freedom of expression after Parliament passed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill. The bill, approved with 60 votes in favour and one against, gives the president sweeping control over media by dissolving existing councils and creating a new commission with president-appointed members. Critics, including rights groups and the Maldives Journalists Association, say it threatens press freedom. President Mohamed Muizzu and ruling PNC MPs defended it as a measure to increase accountability and combat misinformation. The US Embassy in a post on X called for protection of dissenting and opposition voices.

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