The Maldives, which has had a short democratic history, is witnessing a huge outcry over the government's new law on media. Maldives President Mohamed
Muizzu on Thursday ratified a controversial new media law that allows for hefty fines and the temporary or permanent closure of media outlets deemed to violate its provisions. The new law - known as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act - was passed by the Maldives' Parliament, officially known as the People’s Majlis of Maldives, on Tuesday. Of the 93 members of Parliament, 60 government lawmakers voted for the bill after opposition members were evicted amid protests. The new law is likely to impact 200-300 registered media outlets that are registered in the country. However, fewer than 50 media outlets are currently active.
Understanding Maldives' Controversial New Media Law - 5 Points
The new law requires journalists to respect the nation's constitution, Islam, national security, social values, and protect personal honour and human rights, according to reports. Here are the provisions of the bill;
1. The bill provides for individual fines of up to USD 1,620 against journalists and up to USD 6,485 against media companies that are found to be contravening the law.
2. It also allows authorities to suspend media licenses until investigations are complete.
3. The authorities are allowed to file litigation seeking cancellation of media licenses.
4. Police can also be sent to stop broadcasts midway if they are seen to be violating the new law.
5. A seven-member committee will be appointed to ensure compliance and investigate any alleged offenses.
What Muizzu Government Said On The New Law
The ministers in Muizzu's government have defended the new media law. Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel said in a X post that the new media law unifies oversight under an independent commission.
He said that the new law ensures transparency and independence from executive control, while modernising registration, setting clear professional standards and strengthening public confidence in the media.
Muizzu's New Law To Face Supreme Court
The journalists in the Maldives will be appealing in the country's Supreme Court against the new media law, news agency Reuters reported.
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) said the commission can block news websites, halt broadcasts and also control social media.
"Media should be self-regulated and state regulation should not be allowed," MJA president Naaif Ahmed told Reuters over phone. "We will not obey this law. We will go to the Supreme Court and ask it to dismantle this law," he said.
The Maldives was ranked 104 on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, down two places from 2024.
(With agency inputs)
