Two extraordinary sessions of the People's Majilis is set to be held this week.

The Majlis went on recess last Tuesday after concluding this year's second session. According to Majlis regulations, this session was supposed to end on August 15. However, citing important work, the session was extended to the 21st, but the Majlis suddenly went on recess on Tuesday the 19th.

When announcing the recess, Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said this decision was made to give members time to study the Media Regulation Bill, which had its first reading and preliminary debate that day. The bill was submitted by independent member Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. While PNC members spoke in defense of the bill, MDP members called for its withdrawal and spoke against it.

Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo constituency member Ibrahim Falah told "One" today that they are working to hold two Majlis sessions on the 27th and 28th of this week.

"We're working to hold sessions on the 27th and 28th of this month, but the agenda is not yet confirmed," Falah said.

It seems likely that these sessions will focus on giving approval for the appointment of a member to the Human Rights Commission (HRCM). Three names were sent for appointment to the commission on the last day of the regular session.

There's also a high possibility that work on the Media Bill, which has begun its preliminary debate, will continue in these sessions. Journalists have been campaigning against this bill. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Maldives Media Council, and international organizations have issued statements calling for the rejection of this bill, which they say is designed to restrict press freedom.