Media opposes media bill, urges repeal at committee meeting

Media representatives attending the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions on Monday expressed opposition to the proposed bill that would grant the government control over media. 

Media representatives attending the committee meeting unanimously urged the repeal of the bill without any amendments.

Adam Nazeer, editor of Hathaavees Online, stated at the meeting that "The bill is designed to allow journalists to be punished for their articles, which infringes on freedom of expression." He emphasized that the responsibility of journalists is to hold the state accountable, not to maintain it. Nazeer also pointed out that the bill "entrusts journalists with the responsibility of maintaining the state. It sets a standard of conduct. I don't think this is a rule practiced in any country.”

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of Dhauru news, Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga Zahir), described the bill as beyond amendment. He argued that in a multi-party democracy, the door is open for the expression of different opinions, and this bill restricts the expression of opinion to promote a particular ideology. Hiriga Zahir echoed Nazeer's concern that the bill "closes the door to expression."

Additionally, Hiriga Zahir noted the absence of provisions to protect journalists within the bill. He highlighted the historical efforts made to achieve the current freedom of the press and expression, calling the attempt to restrict freedom of expression, as provided by the 2008 Green Constitution, "narrow-minded."

Mihaaru news managing editor Muizzu Ibrahim expressed confusion regarding how a journalist's article or broadcaster's content could endanger public health. He drew attention to a bill provision allowing state agencies to enter media outlets and halt publishing without a court order. Ibrahim argued that this provision is unconstitutional, as the Constitution requires a court order for state enforcement agencies to enter private premises.

Muizzu Ibrahim further stated, "In such cases, not only are the rights of the media violated—media outlets, as you know, largely operate on private sponsorships despite recently announced state financial assistance. When they are suddenly impounded, it's not just the media's rights that are lost, but also those of the third-party businessman.”

Muizzu, a former member of the Maldives Media Council (MMC), noted that professions like lawyers, doctors, and nurses are regulated by a commission of experts through a self-regulatory system, but no government has worked to resolve issues within these systems.

Significantly, all 22 media outlets that addressed the bill oppose it, with 21 calling for its withdrawal.

The controversial bill, sponsored by Abdul Hannan Abubakar, the independently elected MP for Thulhaadhoo (who maintains close ties to the government), includes the following key provisions:

• Establishment of a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.

• The commission will comprise three members appointed by the President.

• The remaining four members will be elected by the media.

• The President of the Commission will be appointed by the President.

• A fine ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for non-compliance with a commission’s order.

• Fines of up to MVR 100,000 for illegal activities.

• The Commission possesses the authority to temporarily suspend media registration during ongoing investigations of reported cases.

• Pending court proceedings, the commission can cancel a newspaper's registration.

• The commission has the power to block newspaper websites and halt TV broadcasts.

• The commission can also investigate cases backlogged from one year prior to its establishment.

The Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) were summoned to parliament on Sunday to discuss the bill. The parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions also met with individual news agencies on Monday. Journalists and the MMC have consistently called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill without any amendments.