Parliament sitting to pass media bill commences

At around 17:00hrs, Parliament has begun its extraordinary sitting, where a vote will be taken on the controversial media bill. 

As the sitting commenced, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs have started protesting in front of the Speaker's podium. 

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, who is presiding over today's sitting, first advised MDP MPs to desist. With the protests continuing, he then began announcing the names of individual MPs, with the first name to be announced being that of South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil, followed by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. 

As the sitting progressed, Keyodhoo MP Niushad and North Hulhumale' MP Dr Shamheed, North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir's names were also announced. 

Chair of Committee on Independent Institutions MP Hussain Riza then presented the report on the media bill.  

MDP MPs surrounded Riza and continued to loudly voice out against the bill. 

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim then announced the debate on the bill open, with it set to continue for one hour.

The sitting is currently at a halt due to an issue with the mic system.