Maldives media law sparks concern over press freedom
INTERNATIONAL – ASIA
18 SEPTEMBER 2025
- The Maldives parliament or People’s Majlis has passed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulations Bill that seeks to regulate journalists and media institutions, amid serious concern from local and foreign media bodies over its apparent impact on press freedom.
- The Bill seeks to create a new Media and Broadcasting Commission with sweeping powers, including imposing stiff fines, to suspend media outlets or block websites in the event of an investigation.
- Opposition members and media bodies have slammed the move, terming it an assault on press freedom. Former Foreign Minister and former President of the UNGA Abdulla Shahid accused President Mohamed Muizzu’s government of “declaring war” on free speech.
- The tourism-reliant economy of the island nation has been under strain owing to high foreign debt and a wide fiscal deficit.
- A World Bank Update in April this year projected a rise in inflation from 1.4% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, as resident contend with high living costs, stagnant incomes and joblessness.
- Many government critics use social media platforms to voice their discontent about government policies.
