Male, Maldives:-Transparency Maldives has expressed serious concerns about the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it poses a grave threat to media independence and freedom of expression in the country. The organization criticizes the bill for granting excessive powers to the newly formed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, fearing these powers could be used to unduly control, censor, or intimidate journalists and media outlets.
Transparency Maldives highlights that vague definitions and broad regulatory authorities within the bill risk stifling investigative journalism and dissenting voices, thereby undermining democratic principles. They also point out that the bill was developed with insufficient consultation and transparency, failing to adequately involve media professionals and civil society in the drafting process.
Instead, Transparency Maldives advocates for a media regulatory framework rooted in independence, self-regulation, and respect for constitutional guarantees as well as international human rights norms. They call on the government and Parliament to reconsider the bill, engage openly with all stakeholders, and ensure that any media legislation protects the fundamental rights of free expression and press freedom.
This position adds to mounting concerns raised locally and internationally regarding the bill’s potential to curtail press freedom in the Maldives, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and democratic approach to media regulation.
