The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group (PG) has breached a police cordon during a protest advocating for the withdrawal of the controversial media bill, which the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) intends to pass on Tuesday.
The demonstration, which caused a blockage on Chaandhanee Magu in Male’ city, saw the participation of prominent MDP figures including PG Leader Ibrahim Nazil, Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, and Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal.
Addressing the youth, Nazil urged their participation against the media bill, asserting that the government's attempts to control the media stem from its reporting on instances of theft and corruption.
"Are we compelled to condone theft? We are not. The public must conclude this tonight. People should come forward. The public will suffer the consequences of the media bill. This must be stopped," Nazil stated.
MDP ge parliamentary group ge member in issve thibe majeedhee magugai muzaahara kurany.Sun Photo: Moosa NadheemMore Details: https://t.co/n9nKNF8wvV pic.twitter.com/hwh7HGCTSR
— sun.mv (@sunbrk) September 15, 2025
He further criticized the current government as incompetent, warning that the passage of the media bill would further disempower the populace.
Police were deployed to the area in response to the protest, where demonstrators kept calling for the media bill's withdrawal. At a certain juncture, the protesters initiated a march, breaking through the police cordon.
Social media platforms are circulating videos depicting police officers pursuing and attempting to apprehend some individuals.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the protest.
MDP's National Council member Hussain Hassan speaks at the protest held in Male' city by the party on September 15, 2025. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Earlier on Monday, the Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament approved the media bill with amendments, despite ongoing protests from journalists and the public.
Journalists have been vocal in their opposition since the bill's introduction on August 18.
A PNC MP confirmed the party's decision to pass the media bill during an extraordinary parliamentary sitting scheduled for Tuesday.