South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders,
expresses deep concern regarding the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill,
which was passed on 16 September 2025 in an extraordinary parliamentary session marked
by procedural irregularities in an apparent effort to fast-track the legislation. The adoption
of this bill took place amidst protests by journalists, activists, opposition parliamentarians,
and members of the public outside the Parliament premises.
The bill, introduced by an independent member of parliament, has drawn criticism from
local journalists and activists as well as regional and international rights organisations, who
view it as a significant setback to freedom of expression and press freedom. The legislation
places media regulation under the direct influence of both the legislative and executive
branches and grants sweeping punitive powers to a new regulatory commission. This
commission is empowered to impose fines, suspend outlets, and block websites during
investigations. Reports indicate that the bill was not made publicly available on the
Parliament website prior to its passage, and the modifications to its text remained unclear
until after its adoption. The bill was ratified by the President on 18 September 2025. The
resulting law establishes a commission with broad authority to monitor, investigate, and
sanction media outlets, while imposing stringent requirements on reporting standards
across all forms of media, including electronic platforms.
SAHR is deeply concerned that the new law could be misused to curtail political dissent and
inhibit reporting on issues of public interest, including government accountability and
corruption. SAHR therefore urges the Government of the Maldives to reconsider this
legislation, to reflect on the irregular process through which it was enacted, and to pursue
amendments that safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom as guaranteed under
the Constitution of the Maldives.
On behalf of the members of the South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. Roshmi Goswami
Co-Chairperson
Dr. P. Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member
