Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed (Asward), has stated that he will go to the Parliament with the concerns regarding the Media Regulation Bill submitted to the People's Majlis.

The bill, proposed by Thulhaadhoo constituency member Abdul Hannan Abubakur, was accepted yesterday in an extraordinary parliamentary sitting. The bill is now at the committee stage.

Since the bill was submitted to the Parliament last week, journalists have been expressing concerns and calling for its withdrawal. Yesterday, journalists gathered in front of the Parliament building to express their concerns and protests. Later, they also protested in the areas near the President's Office and Muliaage.

Many journalists have been working today at the Media Fendaa in front of the President's Office.

While journalists were there, Minister at the President's Office for Strategic Communication Ibrahim Khaleel and Asward met with them.

Meeting with journalists, Asward said he would not rush into anything that obstructs journalism. However, he also said there's no issue with the Parliament accepting the bill. Along with this, Asward said, "I love journalism more than all of you."

Asward said he's not afraid of losing his position and that he's not someone who lives off his ministerial position.

"I will go to the Parliament to speak about this bill, I will go to the Parliament to find solutions to the concerns," Asward said.

"I don't agree with everything in this, I don't agree," he added.

Asward stated that the government would not support anything that hinders media freedom.

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

These include fines for journalists and media outlets violating the code of conduct set by the Media Commission, with the possibility of revoking registrations. 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 granted 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 revoking registration even before an investigation is completed.
  • Revoking a newspaper's registration through court.
  • Blocking a newspaper's website while investigating a case.