Maldives: Proposed Media Commission Bill restricts press freedom

A controversial new bill introduced to the Maldivian Parliament is seeking to establish a new government-influenced commission, responsible for press accreditation and the authority to impose fines on journalists and media outlets. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), in calling for urgent engagement to ensure media independence and the constitutional right to press freedom.

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Members of the Maldives Journalists Association meet to discuss their response to the new Media Commission bill, introduced to the Maldivian parliament on November 13. Credit: MJA

The bill, introduced to parliament by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakaron November 13, would abolish the existing Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Broadcasting Commission and create a new 'Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission', with the jurisdiction to levy fines, withhold media licenses, and demand formal apologies from journalists and organisations.

Particular concern has been raised by media organisations and press freedom groups at the proposed composition of the seven members of the commission, with four members appointed by the President and Vice-President on nomination to parliament, and only three selected by the media.

MJA expressed concern at the bill's imposition on the media's self-regulation, stating that the government's failure to consult with the association undermines the principles of a free press and would lead to "undue government influence on freedom of media and journalists."

"This association has always believed that the right to regulate the media should be based on a self-regulatory mechanism. That is, one of the main functions of the media is to monitor and hold the government, state institutions, and authorities accountable. Therefore, the government taking over the affairs of those who are to watch over the government is a very undesirable system," said MJA.

MJA also added that past government influence has led to heavy fines for media workers and organisations and incited the closures of Maldivian media organisations. Concern has previously been raised by MJA and IFJ at government interference and overstep in the functioning of the independent MMC.

Despite heavy criticism, Abubakar confirmed he has no plans to retract the legislation, stating he "submitted the bill because the nation comes first. There is no intention of withdrawing it."

During the bill's first hearing on November 13, Minister of Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed of the ruling People's National Congress stated that the party would only decide to endorse the legislation after further review. In a statement on X, President Mohamed Muizzu affirmed his stance against limiting media freedom and emphasised the civil right to exercise such freedoms within the Maldives.

The MJA said: "The association believes that the bill will severely restrict the constitutional right to freedom of the press and impose serious obstacles on the work of journalists. The media will lose their existing power to self-regulate or self-regulate, and instead, the government's influence and power will penetrate heavily into the media, pushing the freedom of the media in the country backwards for many years."

The IFJ said: "The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill is a severe threat to the independence and vital self-regulation of Maldives' media. This legislation has been submitted with no industry consultation and undermines the vital role of journalists in holding power to account, handing key regulatory decisions to a commission comprised of a government-selected majority. IFJ calls for urgent and immediate engagement with media stakeholders as a commitment of democracy and media freedom."