Committee shuts Media Bill meeting again, ejects journalists

Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions has decided once again to hold the meeting to review the Media Regulation Bill closed. 

The bill, submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan Abu Bakuru, has resulted in widespread opposition and concern from journalists, Maldives Media Council, Maldives Journalists Association, as well as various international organizations. Despite this, the bill was accepted by parliament in an extraordinary sitting held while parliament was officially in recess. 

Although it was previously stated that the committee stage would be proceeded with consultations and discussion, meetings on the bill of the Independent Institutions Committee has been held closed both yesterday and today. 

The motion to hold a closed meeting on both days was proposed claiming that personal information may be revealed in presenting public opinion on the bill.

Committee Chair MP Hussain Riza said yesterday that ten to twelve comments have been received for each article of the bill. 

Some journalists had attended parliament to listen to committee proceedings. Upon the Chair’s announcement that the meeting would be held behind closed doors, journalists asked which article of parliamentary regulations justified the decision. MP Riza did not respond.

Journalists attending the committee were then forcefully removed from the premises. 

The committee has previously cancelled consultation meetings with the Attorney General's Office, Youth Ministry and Maldives Journalists Association. 

Attending committee meetings during the bill review stage, both the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission of Maldives advocated against the bill. 

About twenty journalists who later spoke at a committee meeting with media representatives also opposed the bill and called for it to be rejected.

While today's committee meeting is being held closed, it is believed that a vote to pass the bill may be taken today. The committee previously decided to conclude review of the bill by September 15. 

Parliament has also scheduled an extraordinary sitting for next Monday.