Journalists stage silent protest in Parliament gallery

Journalists have staged a silent protest in Parliament's viewing gallery as MPs engaged in the debate on the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in today's parliament sitting.

The bill, proposed by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo) proposes the merging of the Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission and forming a Media Commission.

Three of the seven members of this new commission are to be appointed by the President, with parliamentary approval. The remaining four members are to be elected by the media. However, the President of the Commission will be appointed by the President.

The bill states that journalists who breach ethical standards set by the commission stand to face hefty fines, and revocation of the media outlets registry. Individual journalists can face fines of between MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000, while the outlets can be fined up to MVR 100,000.

The first hearing of the bill was carried out in parliament today. At this time, a number of journalists gathered in the parliament's viewing gallery to show their discontent and concerns regarding the bill. The silent protest was staged by journalists assembling in the gallery, covering their mouths with their hands and tape, symbolizing how the bill could muzzle press freedom.

Maldives Media Council and Maldives Journalists Association have both released statements opposing the bill and calling for it to be withdrawn.

The MJA noted that several provisions in the bill aimed at penalizing journalists are ambiguously worded, raising concerns over potential misuse to restrict press freedom. The inclusion of heavy fines, media shutdown and other severe penalties are highly concerning and could 'entirely kill press freedom', they said.