Attorney General Ahmed Usham has dismissed calls to withdraw the proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Bill, saying he sees no reason for it to be scrapped. He argued the current draft is more lenient than the version submitted to his office by the Maldives Media Council in 2022, though he noted amendments could still be made.

Meanwhile, journalists confronted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday, urging him to withdraw the bill now under debate in Parliament.

The legislation, submitted by an independent MP but backed by the ruling PNC supermajority, would repeal the Maldives Media Council Act and the Newspapers and Magazines Act, while amending the Broadcasting Act. It proposes a new commission with sweeping powers to order corrections, impose heavy fines, suspend registrations, and even revoke broadcasting licenses. Newspapers and magazines could be fined up to USD 6,485, while individual journalists face fines of up to MVR 25,000.

The bill has sparked strong backlash from media professionals, who warn it poses a serious threat to press freedom and freedom of expression. Despite protests outside Parliament, the President’s Office, and the Presidential Palace, the ruling party has said it intends to move forward with the legislation.