Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has warned that the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Bill poses a serious violation of freedom of expression.

In its comments to the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions, where the bill is currently under review, HRCM expressed concern that the legislation seeks to regulate not only journalists but also bloggers and individuals who share opinions or stories online.

“The bill severely curtails freedom of expression, including violations of international norms. In a democracy, independent voices should not be brought under state control,” the commission said.

HRCM noted that in democratic countries, broadcast and print media are regulated differently and not under a single code of conduct. It also highlighted that in places such as the UK, US, Canada and Europe, blogging and online expression are treated as free speech and do not require state registration or licensing.

The bill, introduced by Thulhadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, has faced strong opposition from media outlets and journalists, who have demanded its withdrawal. However, President Mohamed Muizzu, cabinet ministers and the ruling PNC parliamentary group have defended it.

If passed, the bill would give the Media Commission wide-ranging powers, including the ability to impose fines of MVR 5,000–25,000 on individual journalists and up to MVR 100,000 on media outlets. It would also allow suspension or cancellation of registrations, blocking of websites during investigations, and even court-ordered closure of publications.