The Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament announced on Thursday its decision to hold a consultation meeting with news agencies and media outlets regarding the controversial Media Bill. This bill, if passed, would grant the government significant power to control the media.
The parliamentary committee is scheduled to meet on Monday morning at 11:00 AM to discuss the Media Bill with registered news and media organizations. Due to space constraints, only one journalist from each media outlet will be permitted to attend the meeting.
The committee's decision to consult with the media comes amidst growing concerns and protests from journalists who are calling for the bill's withdrawal. Journalists have expressed apprehension that the bill was introduced in Parliament without any prior consultation with them and that it contains provisions imposing harsh measures on the media, thereby facilitating government control.
Journalists protest against the media control bill outside the President's Office on August 28, 2025. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Iyad)
Journalists are advocating for the bill to be rejected in its current form and for a new bill to be submitted, incorporating their consultation and opinions. Protests against this bill have been ongoing since its re-introduction into Parliament on August 18 by government-affiliate Independent MP Hannan Abubakr.
What is in the Media Bill?
Establishment of a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. This new commission would be responsible for overseeing media operations.
Three members would be appointed by the President, with the remaining four elected by the media.
The President would appoint the commission's head.
Fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 would be imposed for failing to rectify issues as per the commission’s order.
Media outlets could face fines up to MVR 100,000 for actions deemed illegal or against amended laws.
The commission would have the power to temporarily cancel a media outlet's registration upon commencing an investigation.
The commission could annul a registered media outlet before court proceedings are concluded.
The commission would have the authority to block news websites, tabloid channels, and stop TV broadcasts.
The commission could revisit cases from up to a year before its establishment and take action on them.
In related developments, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also met with the press on Thursday. The President’s Office reported on the meeting, stating that the government is '100 percent pro-media' and will propose amendments to certain articles in the bill.
The President has previously stated his disinterest in controlling the media and has asked PNC members to pass the bill without granting him any additional powers, as the bill currently implies.
Police arrest Dhauru journalist Muzayyin Nazim during a peaceful protest against the Media Bill that was accepted in parliament on August 27, 2025. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Iyadh)
However, journalists walked out of a press conference held by Attorney General Ahmed Usham at the President's Office on Thursday evening, citing that he was misleading them.
Earlier on Thursday morning, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) and Minister at the President's Office for Strategic Communications Ibrahim Khaleel met with the protesting journalists at the Presidential Office. During this meeting, journalists requested the opportunity to submit their complaints directly to the President.