Nasheed warns: Muizzu’s media bill will destroy democracy
The Maldives government’s push for the controversial Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill has triggered outrage across the nation, with critics accusing President Mohammed Muizzu of plotting to silence journalists and hide corruption. The bill, passed in parliament by the ruling PNC’s supermajority, hands sweeping powers to a government-controlled commission, raising fears of a full-blown crackdown on press freedom.
Under the proposed law, a new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be formed with three members appointed directly by the President and four others chosen by the media. The President would also appoint the Commission’s head, giving him overwhelming control.
The Commission would be allowed to:
- Investigate journalists and media outlets at will
- Temporarily or permanently cancel media registrations
- Block websites and halt television broadcasts
- Fine outlets up to MVR 100,000 for “illegal activities”
- Impose fines of MVR 5,000–25,000 for failing to comply with orders
- Revisit cases that happened up to a year before its creation
The law even allows media outlets to be shut down before a court ruling is issued.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed, once a journalist himself, condemned the bill, warning it would “destroy freedom of expression and cripple democracy.” Former President Abdullah Yameen echoed the outrage, accusing Muizzu of hypocrisy for claiming he doesn’t want control while placing loyalists in all key positions. “This is about hiding the government’s crimes and silencing criticism,” Yameen said.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham insists the bill is meant to “merge institutions” and claims it’s less strict than earlier drafts. Journalists, however, are protesting in the streets, calling this a blatant attempt to muzzle the press.
This is not reform. This is control. Dhivehiraajje (Maldives) is on the edge of turning into a state where truth is dictated by those in power. Citizens must now ask: what is the government so desperate to hide?