IFJ and its representative body in the Maldives, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), issued a joint statement last night, saying the bill is a threat to media freedom and media regulation.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has said that the Media and Broadcasting Commission bill submitted to parliament grants the power to fine media outlets and individual journalists, as well as revoke their licenses, undermining the media's ability to hold the government accountable.
IFJ and its representative body in the Maldives, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), issued a joint statement last night, saying the bill is a threat to media freedom and media regulation.
IFJ said the bill, which was introduced without consultation, would undermine the role of journalists in holding the government accountable. The IFJ also called for urgent consultations with the media to amend the bill, respecting democracy and media freedom.
MJA stated that the media should have the right to regulate itself without external influence, as the primary function of the media is to hold the government, state institutions, and officials accountable.
The joint statement said that the bill could lead to the loss of media freedom and set the country back to the situation of many years ago, highlighting that previous administrations' influence over the media had led to the shutdown of some media outlets.
The first reading of the bill, submitted by independent Thulhaadhoo member Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru to establish a commission called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, was heard in Parliament.
Under the bill, the new commission would consist of seven members: four appointed by the President with Parliament’s approval, and three elected by the media.
Only broadcasters, media outlets, and journalists registered for five years or more would be eligible to vote for the three media representatives. The President, with Parliament’s approval, would appoint the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.
The bill grants the commission powers to enforce the code of conduct, including the authority to fine media outlets for repeated breaches, suspend licenses, halt programs, or issue mandatory apologies.
Fines for repeated violations by media outlets would range from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000. Individual journalists may also face fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000 for breaches of conduct.
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