Khaleel chairman, Amir vice-chairman of committee to evaluate defamation bill

Nilandhoo MP Abdulla Khaleel has been assigned chairman and Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir vice-chairman of the committee set up by People’s Majlis to evaluate the defamation and freedom of expression bill, accepted into the Majlis for consideration this Monday.

One of the members of the committee – Gemanafushi MP Jameel Usman said that Haleel was nominated for the position of chairman by Amir, and that the nomination was seconded by him. While Amir was nominated for the position of vice-chairman by him, and his nomination seconded by Fares-Maathodaa MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

The committee will include six PPM lawmakers, two lawmakers from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and one lawmaker from Maldives Development Alliance.

PPM lawmakers in the committee:

• MP Abdulla Khaleel

• MP Ali Arif

• MP Jameel Usman

• MP Jaufar Dhaood

• MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef

• MP Shinaan Ali

JP lawmakers in the committee:

• MP Ilhaam Ahmed

• MP Moosa Nizar

MDP lawmakers in the committee:

• MP Mariya Ahmed Didi

• MP Fayyaz Ismail

MDA lawmaker in the committee:

• MP Ahmed Amir

Defamation bill was proposed to the People’s Majlis by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group member, Jaufar Dhaood.

The bill was accepted into the Majlis with the vote of 38 MPs; 28 MPs voted to reject the bill, while one MP remained neutral.

It prescribes fines between MVR 50,000 to MVR 2,0000,000 for defamation. And the decision can be appealed in courts only after the reporter has paid the fine.

The case will be reported to police and prosecuted, if the reporter fails to pay the fine.

The bill prescribes prison sentences from 3 – 6 months if the reporter fails to pay the fine within the period of time given by court after the case is sent for prosecution.