4 government lawmakers vote against Defamation Bill

Four government lawmakers – including South Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed – voted against the bill on defamation and freedom of expression which was passed by the People’s Majlis on Tuesday afternoon.

Three lawmakers from Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) voted against the Defamation Bill despite the three-line whip issued by the party to support the bill.

The lawmakers are:

• South Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed

• Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa

• Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faaris Maumoon

Government-aligned – Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) lawmaker - Nolhivaram MP Hussain Areef also voted against the bill.

All Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lawmakers – except for MP Reeko Moosa Manik voted against the bill.

All Jumhoory Party (JP) lawmakers who attended the voting, except for MP Ilhaam Ahmed voted against the bill.

Adhaalath Party lawmaker, MP Anara Naeem also voted against the bill.

The bill was passed with the vote of 47 lawmakers, while 31 lawmakers voted against it.

The Defamation Bill has strict penalties for defamation – including suspension and revoking licenses of media stations that are proven guilty of the of the offenses stated in the bill.

It also provides individuals the right to request authorities to cut the live feed broadcasted by media stations if any comment which could tarnish his or her reputation is broadcasted during a live event, with additional penalties for media stations that refuse to cut their live feed despite orders by relevant authorities.

Any media station which publishes or broadcasts a defamatory comment or any news which could threaten the safety and security of the country will be fined MVR 50,000 – MVR 2 million. And the reporter who publishes or broadcasts the news will be personally fined MVR 50,000 – MVR 150,000.

The bill will take effect immediately after the President ratifies it.