Freedom of the press is threaded by Maldivian Government- Journalists of Maldives

Journalists are urging Parliament not to pass the Media Commission Bill, which threatens to undermine press freedom in the country. We express our deep concern and condemn this bill, which seeks to grant the government the power to coerce, punish, and close newspapers without adhering to the rules and principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

“In a democratic system, and under the freedoms provided by the Constitution of the Maldives, newspapers—both printed and online—do not need to obtain a license, permit, or registration from the government to operate,” stated The Democratic Party of the Maldives.

“Truth” does not belong exclusively to the government or any other entity. The bill aims to encourage self-censorship among publishers, leading them to avoid sharing information that might upset the government.

The dictatorship in the Maldives ended in 2008 and democratic freedom of the press was granted. The bill, which has been sent to parliament, accused the current government of trying to curb freedom of the press.