Statement Condemning Arrest of Journalists Protesting ‘Media Control Bill’

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) strongly condemns the arrest of journalists at a peaceful protest calling for the maintenance of the right to free speech and media.

Today, during the protest against the 'Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill', several journalists were arrested and obstructed by the Maldivian Police Service without cause.

The proposed legislation has been labeled as a 'grave threat' to press freedom and media independence by the Maldives Journalists Association, carried out with no consultation and submitted in a manner to obscure the true proponents of the legislation. Attempts to open dialogue and voice concerns have fallen on deaf ears as lawmakers move forward with rushing the bill through Parliament.

This latest curtailment of personal freedoms highlights the dangerous trajectory of the country under the current regime. Since coming to power, President Muizzu has attempted to consolidate power over all branches of government, with independent institutions across the country effectively paralysed. The attack on independent media is another violation of the constitutional right to free speech and represents another step in President Muizzu's attempts to silence dissent.

The MDP urges all members of Parliament, civil society, and the free press to stand against the autocratic actions of President Muizzu's administration.