Parliament committee passes controversial Media Bill amid protests

The Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee has passed the controversial Media Regulation Bill with amendments, despite vocal protests from opposition MPs and journalists who argue the legislation threatens press freedom.

The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakuru, was reviewed by the committee after a petition submitted by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and other media professionals was referred to the committee by the Parliament’s Petitions Committee. The petition called for the bill’s complete withdrawal, citing concerns over provisions that could restrict media independence.

The committee which was open to the public, began with members being invited to propose amendments. MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem moved to remove several sections of the bill. However, his motions were not brought to a vote due to a lack of support from other committee members.

Tensions escalated when Committee Chair and PNC MP Hussain Riza announced that the committee would proceed to vote on the bill with the government’s proposed amendments. As the vote was called, several MDP MPs and journalists began shouting in protest, demanding that the petition be fully considered before any vote. Some journalists also attempted to distribute leaflets denouncing the bill.

“The control bill must be rejected, and the petition must be considered before moving to a vote” both MPs and journalists chanted, expressing their opposition to the bill.

The disruption led to a temporary adjournment of the session, with committee members walking out. The meeting later resumed at 5:00 p.m.

During the resumed session, Chair Hussain Riza stated that committee members who had reviewed the bill had already cast their votes before the adjournment. He also noted that no members had voted against the bill, and therefore declared that the Media Regulation Bill had been passed unanimously.

According to critics, the bill contains provisions that could undermine journalistic independence. One of the most controversial clauses—Article 67—authorized penalties against individual journalists and media workers. Following public backlash, the Attorney General proposed a set of amendments, including the removal of this specific clause.

Notably, the committee meeting in which these amendments were initially reviewed had been held behind closed doors, further fueling concern among media stakeholders about the transparency of the legislative process.

Despite the changes, journalists and opposition MPs continue to express concern that the bill, even with amendments, poses a serious risk to freedom of the press in the Maldives.