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Maldives assures press freedom despite new legislation
23 Sep, 2025
The Maldives Government, at an interaction with journalists in Colombo, assured press freedom despite the introduction of a new legislation.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, recently, ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill (Act No. 16/2025), bringing the legislation into effect.
The bill was passed by the People’s Majlis at its Seventh Special Session, convened on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, outside the ordinary sitting, amidst protests outside the Parliament.
The Maldives Government said that journalists cannot face prosecution or jail under the new law.
It also said that all sanctions are strictly administrative and subject to judicial review.
With its enactment, the Maldives Media Council, previously constituted under the Newspapers and Magazines Act (Act No. 47/78) and the Maldives Media Council Act (Act No. 15/2008), shall be dissolved. Similarly, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, created under the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 16/2010), will be reconstituted as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) held a meeting to address concerns regarding the use of force toward journalists and restrictions on press freedom during the 16 September 2025 protests, as well as issues raised over provisions in the recently passed media bill in Parliament.
HRCM said the meeting was held at the request of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA).
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