The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced its intention to file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the recently passed media bill. The party asserts that the bill was enacted in violation of constitutional procedures.
Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer, speaking at a press conference held outside the National Integrity Commission (NIC), where a complaint was filed against police for alleged excessive force during a protest against the bill's passage, stated that the legislation contravenes the constitution.
Sameer further elaborated that the Independent Institutions Committee of parliament, responsible for reviewing the bill, conducted its work in breach of parliamentary rules. He highlighted that the bill's report was approved by the committee without considering recommendations from the Parliament's Counsel General. Additionally, he pointed out that the committee report was not shared with members at Tuesday's parliamentary sitting.
Consequently, he concluded that the bill's passage was unconstitutional, prompting the decision to challenge it in court.
The 20th Parliament, dominated by a clear PNC majority, passed the media bill on Tuesday during an extraordinary session. The bill, introduced by pro-government, but independently elected MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr from Thulhaadhoo, faced significant opposition from a large number of journalists.
Protests initiated by MDP members at the start of the session led to the removal of several party members from Parliament. Following these removals, the PNC's supermajority proceeded to pass the media bill as it had been approved by the committee.
Sixty members voted in favor of the bill, with only Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas casting a dissenting vote.
A petition signed by 151 journalists was rejected by the parliamentary committee, which maintained that the concerns raised had been addressed through amendments to the bill. Furthermore, PNC members and the government have promoted the bill as a 'reputation protection' measure.