Khaleel, Asward meet journalists amid protests over Media Regulation Bill

Minister at the Presidents' Office for Strategic Communication Ibrahim Khaleel, Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) have met with journalists following their demands to meet with government officials over their concerns regarding the Media Regulation Bill submitted in Parliament.

Khaleel and Waheed met with media personnel at Media Fenda - stands built outside the President’s Office.

Journalists questioned the ministers about provisions of the legislation and pressed them on the government’s stand, given that the bill was introduced by an independent MP.

Both Khaleel and Waheed insisted the government would not support measures that hinder the work of journalists.

Journalists pointed out that the bill was accepted in Parliament with the support of ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) members. Forty-nine PNC MPs voted in favor during an extraordinary sitting held yester day, while 12 voted against it.

The vote took place as journalists staged protests outside parliament, demanding the bill’s withdrawal. Demonstrations later moved to the President’s Office, where police used force to disperse crowds, briefly detaining several journalists before releasing them.

Protesters then gathered outside the Presidential Palace, Mulee Aage, calling for a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to discuss their concerns.

The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan, has been referred to the Independent Institutions Committee, which was scheduled to meet today to begin its review.

Maldives Media Council, the Maldives Journalists Association and several international organizations have condemned the bill, and said that it would severely restrict press freedom and undermine constitutional rights. A petition signed by journalists has also been launched against the bill.