The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has filed a constitutional case in the High Court requesting the annulment of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Act.
MJA President Ahmed Naif told reporters on Monday that the association has also asked the court to issue an interim order preventing the commission from taking action against media outlets while the case is ongoing. He argued that the law violates international treaties to which the Maldives is a party, as well as the Constitution.
Naif said there is growing concern that the commission may take action against other media organisations beyond Adhadhu, which is currently under investigation. He said the MJA believes the commission is acting unlawfully.
The case stems from an incident in which a cartoon posted on Adhadhu’s social media, depicting a scenario related to fraud, was deemed by the commission to be contrary to Islamic principles. The commission instructed that the cartoon should not be circulated while the matter is investigated.
Although the initial announcement was later removed from social media, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission subsequently issued a formal notice instructing media outlets not to share the content.