This bill is a threat to freedom of press: MMC

The Maldivian Media Council (MMC) has stated that the bill to introduce a Media Commission will significantly narrow press rights that have been defined in the Constitution, along with it being a threat to journalists.

MMC has stated that the "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill" that was submitted to Parliament by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo) will see the current self-regulatory system change, with majority Parliament members from the ruling administration receiving control of the entire media scope.

They also said that a responsible and free press should be a constant in Maldives, and that the council always welcomes solutions to the problems the system has.

MMC went on to say that the way the commission that gets introduced by the bill and the amount of authority the commission would get would be an obstruction to the freedom of press and its work therein.

In Article 28 of the Constitution, it is said that it is not necessary to disclose any source that a journalist uses when publishing, spreading or expressing any sort of information. However, the bill is written in such a way that it is designed for that right to be taken away as per MMC's statement.

"Due to the phrasing [of the action that can be taken against media organizations] not being very clear, it can be taken in any way possible, with it having the potential to be taken in an illegally beneficial way as well. The commission that is born from this bill will have the power to circumvent any sort of justice when taking action towards media organizations, along with the power to bring a media to a halt even before an issue can or cannot be proven by the judicial system," as per the MMC's statement.

MMC went on to say that not only is the bill a threat to freedom of press, it also goes against the spirit of the Constitution. Not only would it set back the progress attained from years of work towards freedom of press, it would also negatively affect the World Press Freedom ranking that Maldives currently holds, as per the statement.

The bill also states that a fine of MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 can be imposed by the Media Commission if individual journalists were not to bring their desired changes to a piece of publicized information. Media outlets can also be fined MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000 for behavioral issues deemed by the commission.

The Media Commission is to have 7 members, of which three of them will be appointed by Parliament upon the President's recommendation. The remaining four members will be elected by the media. Even though the majority would lie with members appointed by the media, the President of the Commission will still be appointed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.