Maldives moves up in Press Freedom Index, but challenges remain

Maldives has climbed two ranks in the World Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on World Press Freedom Day, but the country continues to face significant hurdles to press freedom.

Ranked 104th out of 180 countries with a score of 52.46, Maldives improved from its 106th position in 2024. However, there is no notable change in score, and the country remains classified among challenging environments for practicing journalism.

According to RSF, Maldives has been on a declining trend in press freedom since 2022, largely due to legislative changes that undermine journalists' rights. These include amendments to the Evidence Act which has drawn criticism for enabling courts to compel journalists to reveal their sources.

Although the Defamation Act used under former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration to suppress independent media was repealed by the succeeding government, RSF said that no reforms were made to the Evidence Act. This omission continues to pose a barrier to media freedom.

Further concerns were raised last year when an independent member of parliament proposed a bill to establish a government-controlled media commission. The bill was eventually withdrawn following strong public backlash.

RSF’s report also points to continued governmental influence over media finances since 2018.