Parliamentary Committee approves investigation into alleged threats against journalists

The Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament has passed a resolution to investigate death threats and other forms of intimidation against journalists in the Maldives.

The decision follows concerns raised by journalists during a committee session held to gather feedback on the proposed Media Commission Bill, introduced by Thulhadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakuru. The bill has drawn widespread criticism for its potential impact on press freedom.

Several journalists who spoke before the committee said they had received death threats, and raised alarm over the circulation of their personal photos on social media, which they believe is intended to intimidate and silence them.

MP Meekail Naseem of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) urged the committee to take the lead in reporting these threats to the police, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

His call was supported by PNC MP Abdullah Shareef of the Kelaa constituency, who agreed the matter should be submitted to the police. However, he stressed the need to first identify which journalists are affected. Shareef encouraged journalists who have faced such threats to submit their complaints in writing to the committee.

The Media Commission Bill, introduced without prior consultation with the media sector, has already entered the committee stage, where feedback is being sought. However, journalists have criticized the government for pushing the bill through an extraordinary parliamentary sitting held during recess, without engaging key stakeholders.

Following its passage in that sitting, journalists staged protests near the Parliament building, the President’s Office, and Muliaage (the presidential palace).

The bill has also drawn international criticism. A total of 21 organizations both local and international, including the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning that it poses a serious threat to press freedom in the Maldives.