MDP to file Supreme Court Case against Media Regulatory Bill

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to file a constitutional case in the Supreme Court to nullify the Media Regulatory Bill passed by Parliament yesterday, claiming it was approved in violation of existing laws and procedures.

At a press conference held today, Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer stated that the MDP believes the entire bill is unconstitutional. He further alleged that the Independent Institutions Committee, which handled the bill, also acted unlawfully during the drafting and approval process.

One of the key procedural violations, according to Sameer, was the committee’s decision to move forward with the bill without announcing in committee the recommendations of the Parliament’s Counsel General. Additionally, he claimed the committee report was not shared with MPs in a timely manner before the rushed extraordinary sitting began.

“There are many such procedural flaws. That’s why we, on behalf of the parliamentary group, made it clear yesterday that we will take this matter to court, as the bill clearly violates the Constitution,” Sameer said.

When asked during the press conference whether the party seeks to overturn the entire bill or only specific articles, MP Sameer said the party's legal team is discussing this.

This bill, proposed by Thulhadhoo constituency MP Abdul Hannaan Abubakuru, has faced widespread opposition, particularly from journalists, many of whom protested and called for its complete withdrawal. Their main concern is that the bill poses a significant threat to press freedom in the country. Journalists protested even at the meeting of the Independent Institutions Committee where the bill was discussed.

Additionally, international journalists’ associations have also voiced alarm over the bill and its potential impact on media freedom in the Maldives.

Concerns have not been limited to the local level—international journalists’ associations have also voiced alarm over the bill and its potential impact on media freedom in the Maldives.