Maldives Passes media law Sparking censorship Concerns
MALÉ, Maldives – A new media regulation law adopted in the Maldives is raising alarms among press freedom advocates, who fear it coudl lead to increased censorship and restrictions on journalistic activity. The legislation,passed this week,establishes a commission with broad powers to fine,penalize,and even revoke licenses of media outlets and journalists.
The law grants a seven-member commission the authority to impose fines of up to 1,400 euros on journalists and up to 5,600 euros on media organizations. More significantly, the commission can revoke media licenses, block websites, and implement punitive editorial procedures. It also introduces the possibility of retroactive sanctions for content published up to a year prior to the law’s enactment. Three commission members will be appointed by the Parliament, currently controlled by the party of President Mohamed Muizzu, while the remaining four will be elected by the media – but are subject to revocation via a parliamentary motion of censorship.
The Maldivian Department of Foreign Affairs stated the legislation aims to “strengthen public confidence in the media and to fight against disinformation and manipulation of content,” clarifying it will not apply to social media accounts. however, critics argue the law’s broad scope and potential for political interference pose a serious threat to freedom of the press in the island nation.
The Maldives currently ranks 104th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) World Press Freedom Index.Neighboring Sri Lanka is ranked 139th, and India is 151st. The new law’s passage comes amid growing concerns about democratic backsliding in the Maldives, a popular tourist destination known for its luxury resorts and diving sites.
