Human Rights Watch: President Muizzu’s administration trying to stifle dissent

Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international NGO advocating human rights, has accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration of trying to stifle dissent with the controversial media bill which would grant the government significant control over the media.

HRW released a statement on Friday, calling on authorities to withdraw the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.

The organization described the bill as part of broader efforts by the current administration to stifle dissent, with freedom of press being the first under attack in this trajectory.

“President Muizzu has been chipping away at human rights since taking office in 2023, with media freedom being first in the crosshairs,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW.

She called on the administration to abandon thinly disguised attempts to quash dissent and instead focus on improving respect for basic rights.

HRW also highlighted the proposed amendment by the administration stripping local councils of their administrative powers, adding it undoes a central component of Maldives democratic governance established during the country’s democratic transition in 2008. 

The controversial media control bill has garnered backlash both locally and internationally.

Journalists are advocating for the bill to be rejected in its current form and for a new bill to be submitted, incorporating their consultation and opinions. Protests against this bill have been ongoing since its re-introduction into Parliament on August 18 by government-affiliate Independent MP Hannan Abubakr.

What is in the Media Bill?

• Establishment of a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. This new commission would be responsible for overseeing media operations.
• Three members would be appointed by the President, with the remaining four elected by the media.
• The President would appoint the commission's head.
• Fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 would be imposed for failing to rectify issues as per the commission’s order.
• Media outlets could face fines up to MVR 100,000 for actions deemed illegal or against amended laws.
• The commission would have the power to temporarily cancel a media outlet's registration upon commencing an investigation.
• The commission could annul a registered media outlet before court proceedings are concluded.
• The commission would have the authority to block news websites, tabloid channels, and stop TV broadcasts.
• The commission could revisit cases from up to a year before its establishment and take action on them.

In related developments, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also met with the press on Thursday. The President’s Office reported on the meeting, stating that the government is '100 percent pro-media' and will propose amendments to certain articles in the bill.

The President has previously stated his disinterest in controlling the media and has asked PNC members to pass the bill without granting him any additional powers, as the bill currently implies.