The "Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Bill," which allows for fining media outlets up to MVR 100,000, has been accepted by the People's Majlis.

The bill was submitted to the Majlis by independent member Abdul Hannan Ab Abubakur of Thulhadhoo constituency. During Hannan's closing remarks today, MDP members continuously called for the bill to be rejected.

In the out-of-session meeting held today, 49 members voted in favor of accepting the bill. Eleven MDP members and Mohamed Abbas, the MDA member for Velidhoo constituency, voted against accepting the bill.

The bill will be reviewed by the Independent Institutions Committee.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Maldives Media Council, and international organizations have called for the withdrawal of this bill. Journalists have been campaigning against the bill and protested outside the Majlis building today.

While the opposition MDP parliament group called for the bill's withdrawal, some PNC members have noted that the bill contains concerning elements.

The Media Bill includes provisions for taking significant measures against media outlets and individual journalists.

It allows for heavy fines and even cancellation of registration for journalists and media outlets that violate the code of conduct set by the Media Commission. Individual journalists can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 25,000, while media outlets can be fined up to MVR 100,000.

Powers given to the Media Commission by this bill include:

  • Fining journalists between MVR 5,000 and MVR 25,000 for violating the code of conduct.
  • Fining media outlets up to MVR 100,000 for violating the law.
  • Temporarily suspending registration even before an investigation is completed.
  • Cancelling a newspaper's registration through court.
  • Blocking a newspaper's website while investigating a case.