Police obstruct journalists' protest outside President's Office

Journalists staging a protest outside the President's Office after parliament voted to accept the media control bill were met with police obstruction. 

Police forcefully moved some of the journalists away from the area, and took others into their vehicles. 

Those placed in police vehicles include 'Adhadhu' journalists Aaidh Ahmed and Mohamed Shahzan, 'Dhauru' journalist Muzayyin Nazim and 'Citizen' journalist Moosa Rasheed. 

These journalists were released a short while later. 

Police have now placed barricades near the President's Office and moved the journalists back. 

Initially today, journalists protested outside parliament. They also expressed discontent regarding the bill in the parliament's viewing gallery. While the protests were ongoing, parliament has today voted to accept the bill. 

The bill, purportedly for media regulation, but raising widespread concerns that it effectively moves to control media and undermine press freedom, was submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo). 

Parliament voted today to accept the bill in an extraordinary sitting held outside its session. 

The bill was accepted with 49 votes in favour from ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs. Twelve MPs voted against. 

The bill has now been accepted and forwarded for review by the Independent Commissions Committee. 

The bill was accepted despite calls from organizations both local and international to reject the bill as it poses a direct threat to press freedom. 

Speaking in defense of the bill, PNC MPs claimed that Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission of Maldives have overlapping responsibilities, but they both stay silent while people are being defamed. 

Those in support claimed this bill is key to 'reform media'. 

Maldives Media Council and Maldives Journalists Association have issued statements opposing the bill. Journalists are also signing a petition against the bill, raising concerns that it drastically narrows press freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution.