Media control bill placed on agenda for parliament’s extraordinary sitting tomorrow

Parliament will hold an extraordinary sitting tomorrow to consider the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan.

The second parliamentary session of the year has already concluded, but the sitting has been scheduled during the recess to decide whether to accept the bill.

Debate on the draft law began after the previous session was extended by a week, but proceedings were cut short and adjourned following a protest by journalists in the chamber.

The proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, has been condemned by the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Journalists Association, which say it poses a serious threat to press freedom.

Journalists have launched a petition urging MPs to withdraw the bill, arguing it is designed to restrict constitutional rights and concentrate control of the media in the hands of the ruling party. The petition says the draft contains provisions that would obstruct basic journalistic practice and undermine freedom of expression.

Senior journalists also held a press conference on Wednesday voicing concern that the bill would “destroy the independent media” in the Maldives.