A man has been arrested for posting on social media in a way that encourages unrest.

Police said in a message to the media tonight that the case involves posts made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that encourage unrest among those protesting the "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill" submitted to the People's Majlis.

Police said Ali Aanim Mufeed (29) of S. Hithadhoo / Athamavilla was arrested under a court order last night in connection with this case.

Police are investigating three charges against him. One of the charges is under the Anti-Terrorism Act for encouraging and spreading information through TV, radio, or internet.

The second charge is under the Penal Code for creating a dangerous, physically offensive, or intimidating situation in a public place, knowing that it would harass, disturb, or frighten others, without a legitimate purpose.

The third charge, also under the Penal Code, is for having criminal intent to commit a crime.

The "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill" was submitted by independent member Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru representing Thulhadhoo constituency. Media outlets and journalists have been protesting against the bill since it was submitted yesterday.

Hannan also submitted this bill last year but withdrew it due to significant pressure. This time, Hannan has made some changes to the bill.

Three main changes have been noted in this version. One change is to the composition of the Media Commission. Previously, the bill stated that the Commission would consist of seven members: four appointed by the President and three elected by media outlets.

In this version, the Commission will consist of three members appointed by the President and four elected by media outlets. The President's appointees need parliamentary approval. The media representatives will be elected through an election conducted by the Elections Commission according to regulations made under this law.

As in the previous bill, the term for Commission members is five years. However, members cannot serve for more than two consecutive terms.

The method of appointing the Commission's President and Vice President has also been changed. Previously, both were to be appointed by the President with parliamentary approval. In this version, the President will only appoint the Commission's President. The Vice President will be elected by secret ballot among ballot among the Commission members.

Despite concerns from media outlets and journalists' associations about high fines, this version has further increased these amounts.

The previous bill allowed fines of MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for newspapers or magazines repeatedly violating the Commission's code of conduct, and MVR 5,000 to 10,000 for media workers and journalists.

This version allows fines of MVR 5,000 to 100,000 for newspapers or magazines, and MVR 5,000 to 25,000 for media workers and journalists.

The Majlis session ended for recess after deciding to further study the bill and continue its debate later.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), representing journalists, has called for the withdrawal of the bill, which they say allows government control over media.