Maldivian journalists and civil society are sounding the alarm that the Media and Broadcast Regulation Bill, recently passed by the People’s Majlis of Maldives (Parliament), may have draconian implications.
Dubbed by critics as the “Media Control Bill,” the legislation seeks to dissolve existing independent regulatory bodies and establish a centralised Media and Broadcasting Commission. It was reportedly passed in a special session of Parliament convened outside the regular schedule. Critics argue that the commission would wield sweeping powers, including the ability to impose heavy fines, suspend licenses, and block websites under investigation.
The draft prescribes fines ranging from MVR 5,000–25,000 (₹27,000–₹1.4 lakh) for individual journalists and up to MVR 100,000 (₹5.6 lakh) for media outlets—sums that smaller, independent publications warn could drive them out of operation.
“Journalists are already facing harassment, lawsuits, and threats. Now, with this bill, the fear of state-backed punishment will silence many of us,” a Malé-based journalist told The Week on condition of anonymity.
Opposition parties in the Maldives have warned that the bill threatens constitutional guarantees of free expression. Observers say it risks rolling back democratic gains made since 2008, when the country transitioned from three decades of autocracy under Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to a multiparty democracy.
The United States supports freedom of expression, including for journalists, as a fundamental freedom. We urge the Maldives and all countries to uphold the freedoms of expression, including dissenting and opposition voices.
— U.S. Embassy Male' (@USinMaldives) September 16, 2025
International watchdogs—including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)—have also voiced concern. They argue that the law undermines the Maldives’ democratic credentials, particularly at a time when the government is under scrutiny for its handling of dissent.
Despite these concerns, the Maldivian Parliament moved ahead with the legislation, disregarding a petition signed by 151 journalists. Journalists and transparency groups further allege that the Maldives Police Service used excessive force against protestors and media workers opposing the bill. Transparency groups argue that the passage of the law undermines democratic values, weakens press freedom, and erodes public confidence in the integrity of legislative processes.
“We strongly stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers raising their voices against this draconian law and will always strive to protect democracy and the fundamental rights of the people,” said a statement released by the Maldives wing of Transparency International, a global movement against corruption.
For India, the developments in Malé carry wider geopolitical resonance. New Delhi has long positioned itself as a partner in the Maldives’ democratic journey, supporting free institutions alongside strategic and economic cooperation. Shrinking space for independent media could complicate this engagement, especially as the Maldives continues to balance its ties between India and China.
Civil society groups in the Maldives have also called for the establishment of an independent and impartial inquiry into alleged procedural irregularities and violations of due process during the consideration and passage of the bill in Parliament.
