Read the full statement in English
Read the full statement in Dhivehi
21 August 2025
Transparency Maldives expresses grave concerns regarding the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, submitted to the parliament on 18 August 2025, which threatens media independence and freedom of speech, both constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights in the Maldives. The proposed bill may also create additional challenges in accessing reliable information, undermining the quality and credibility of reporting while increasing the risk of misinformation and disinformation spreading.
A free and independent media is the cornerstone of a democratic society, and the proposed bill not only undermines media freedom but would have direct impacts on other fundamental rights. The bill would also compromise accountability and transparency by restricting the ability of journalists and media to investigate serious allegations of corruption, abuse of state resources, misuse of power and other matters of significant public interest and concerns. This would further erode trust in public institutions and strengthen systems that encourage a culture of secrecy and impunity. In a democratic society, citizens have a right to know and access accurate, unbiased information in order to question decisions and meaningfully participate in decisions that impact their lives. Media freedom is critical to protect this right.
Recent changes relating to decentralization, the judiciary, and the constitution have already raised alarm over the erosion of institutional independence and the weakening of democratic checks and balances. When placed in this context, the proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill further exacerbates the decline in democratic governance by consolidating power and restricting the space for accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.
The bill seeks to abolish the current Maldives Broadcasting Commission and establish a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission which would comprise 7 members, 3 of whom are appointed by the President of Maldives. As per section 22 (b), the President of this Commission is also appointed by the President. This undermines the independence and impartiality of the regulatory body and opens the door for political interference in media oversight.
A truly free and independent media also requires the ability to operate without fear of reprisals. Chapter 8 of the bill introduces broad disciplinary measures targeting broadcasters, news outlets, and media professionals. Under Section 65, the newly established Commission comes with a wide range of powers, including the authority to block broadcasts, impose fines, confiscate broadcasting equipment, and initiate license cancellation procedures. Section 66 further empowers the Commission to levy fines up to MVR 100,000, suspend broadcasts, and initiate license cancellation procedures. Section 67 of the bill extends these punitive measures to individual media professionals, allowing the Commission to impose fines up to MVR 25,000.
While accountability of media is important, excessive punitive measures, coupled with other measures to control media would deter journalists from reporting on sensitive issues involving powerful political actors or state institutions due to fear of repercussions. This chilling effect not only diminishes investigative journalism but also deprives citizens of access to information on matters of significant public interest.
Harassment and violence against journalists, including physical attacks, online intimidation, and hate speech, persist. In the absence of effective protective measures, these threats are further compounded by a culture of impunity for crimes against journalists. The unresolved cases and delayed justice for journalist Ahmed Rilwan, who was forcibly disappeared in 2014, and blogger Yameen Rasheed, who was brutally murdered in 2017, stand as stark reminders of the dangers faced by media professionals in the Maldives. Despite repeated calls for justice, the lack of accountability in these cases continues to send a chilling message to the wider media community. Without meaningful steps to end impunity and guarantee the safety of journalists through meaningful legislative reform, the right to free expression and the public’s right to know remain severely undermined. We note with concern the lack of consideration provided in the proposed bill to ensure safety of journalists and media personnel, especially related to threats of violence and death.
Transparency Maldives calls on the government and Members of Parliament to withdraw the proposed bill and ensure that any regulatory framework for the media is developed through comprehensive, meaningful consultations with media professionals, civil society, and the public. Reform in the media sector should not equate to control and must address the current concerns and introduce robust safeguards and protective measures to strengthen media freedom and freedom of expression.
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21 August= Press statement- media regulatory bill (english) 21 August- media regulatory bill- dhivehi (3)