MDP warns of 'dangerous trajectory' as journalists obstructed

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday stated that the detention and obstruction of journalists during a protest against the proposed media "control" bill indicate a perilous trajectory for the nation under the current government.

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)-led parliament accepted the media bill during an extraordinary parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, referring it to committee. This occurred while journalists had been protesting at the parliament since Wednesday morning against the bill.

The journalists later gathered in front of the President’s Office in protest but were dispersed by police.

Among the protesting journalists were Muzayyin Nazim from Dhauru news, Mohamed Shahuzan and Ahmed Aaidh from Adhadhu news, and Moosa Rasheed, a former member of the Maldives Media Council and current journalist with Citizen news. Although some journalists were briefly taken into police vehicles, they were released after receiving warnings.

The MDP subsequently issued a statement condemning the police actions, asserting that the journalists were illegally detained without cause for peacefully protesting.

The MDP also reiterated that the bill, drafted without any consultation with journalists, would impede freedom of the press.

The party further alleged that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has attempted to undermine the authority of independent institutions and centralize power among the branches of government.

Statement Condemning Arrest of Journalists Protesting ‘Media Control Bill’ pic.twitter.com/dDLm4NAIaK

— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) August 27, 2025

Additionally, the party stated that the obstruction of journalists on Wednesday demonstrates the dangerous path the country is heading under this administration.

“This latest curtailment of personal freedoms highlights the dangerous trajectory of the country under the current regime.”

The bill received support from government members in parliament. President Muizzu has stated he has no interest in controlling the media and has urged MPs to pass the bill without granting him any additional powers.

The Media Bill, introduced in parliament by independent MP for Thulaadhoo constituency Abdul Hannan Abubakr, if passed, would impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 on individual journalists, while media outlets could face penalties of MVR 100,000.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation would empower a commission to revoke media outlet registrations and suspend newspaper operations even prior to a full investigation of alleged infringements. The bill also permits the President to appoint three members to this media regulatory commission, with the chairman also being a presidential appointment.