Nasheed appeals to President to reject media bill

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to not ratify the Media Bill. 

"Whenever a government suppresses people's right to freedom of expression it inevitably makes the country less free and less prosperous," Nasheed wrote in a post on X. 

Nasheed said that as a writer and former prisoner of conscience, it is his plea to the President to not ratify the bill.

The bill was submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo), purportedly for media regulation, but has given rise to widespread concerns that it, in effect, gravely undermines press freedom and places control over media in the hands of the government and political party holding majority in parliament. 

The bill was accepted by parliament yesterday in an extraordinary sitting held outside of its session, while journalists continued to stage a protest outside the parliament premises. 

Journalists also protested outside the President's Office and the Presidential Palace yesterday. Police obstructed the gathering and forced some journalists into their vehicles, but later released them. 

Journalists continue to protest against the bill, raising concerns on how it is being rushed through with disregard towards the stance of media personnel. 

Organizations advocating for press freedom, both local and international, have issued statements condemning the bill and calling for it to be withdrawn. Journalist are also signing a petition against the bill. The petition raises concerns that the bill starkly narrows press freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution.