The Parliament has voted to pass the Evidence Bill with the source disclosure provision amidst protests by reporters and media.

The Evidence Bill submitted by the Government in September 2021 includes a provision which mandates disclosing journalists' sources through court orders. Additionally, the Bill also states that such orders must be made after reviewing the adverse effects of disclosing sources on the informant as well as the journalist and the media they work for.

Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) members staged a silent protest against this provision in front of the Parliament on Thursday, calling for the removal of the clause.

According to MJA, the provision in the Bill is stated on grounds of 'national security threats' which is a broad and vague statement that needs more clarification and definition of the term. As such, MJA protest called for clear definition of the 'national security threats' during the protest.

MJA had previously shared their concerns over the Bill with the Judiciary Commission. MJA had submitted a letter to the Parliament on Thursday requesting to delay voting on the Bill.

However, the Parliament passed the Bill on Thursday without addressing MJA's concerns.

MJA has raised concerns over how freedom of press would be affected in the wake of this Bill.