Malediven
The Maldives has enacted the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act (Act No. 16/2025), a legislation proposed by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru and signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu on September 18, 2025. The law has garnered global interest and international condemnation due to concerns over press freedom and media regulation.
In November 2024, Aboobakuru submitted a similar bill aiming to abolish the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC), creating the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC). The bill proposed fines of MVR 10,000 for individual reporters. Following criticism from the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the bill was withdrawn. In 2025, Aboobakuru submitted the current Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which was passed and enacted.
Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel claimed that the legislation protects freedom of expression. Information Minister Ibrahim Waheed stated that the bill is a step towards accountability and professionalism, while Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon emphasized that media groups have representation in the process.
The MJA and MDP called for the withdrawal of the bill, joined by international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and the International Federation of Journalists. The MMC urged the president to veto the bill, citing threats to journalism, while Broadcom stated that the bill is impossible to implement. Despite these concerns, President Muizzu dismissed international criticism, asserting that he would not allow anyone to challenge or defy the laws.
The enactment of the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act raises significant concerns about press freedom and the independence of media in the Maldives. The law's provisions and the government's stance suggest potential challenges for journalists and media organizations operating in the country.
