MP Khaleel: Defamation Bill will not be rushed through

Chairman of the 11-member committee set up to evaluate the bill on defamation and freedom of speech, Nilandhoo MP Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has promised not to rush through with the bill.

People’s Majlis voted to accept the controversial bill for consideration on Monday, setting up a 11-member select committee to evaluate the bill.

Khaleel, who was assigned chairman of the committee, spoke to “Sun” and said that he did not want to rush through with the bill, and that the opinion of experts in multiple fields – including media – would be considered during the evaluation process.

“Our thinking is to get the input of as many stakeholders as possible during committee process,” said Khaleel.

He said that 17 European countries had such legislation, and so should Maldives.

He said that freedom of speech should not be abused.

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

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.

The 11-member committee to evaluate the bill includes 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