Opposition Leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has strongly condemned the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it represents a direct assault on press freedom and democratic principles.
In a post on X, Shahid said creating a media council appointed by the President — with powers to levy heavy fines and revoke licenses — was “a blatant attack on media freedom and Maldivian democracy.” He cautioned that “history shows authoritarian regimes silence dissent by crushing free media.”
Regulating the press with a council appointed by the President, wielding power to impose crushing fines and cancel licenses is a blatant attack on media freedom and Maldivian democracy.
History shows authoritarian regimes silence dissent by crushing free media. As a member of… https://t.co/TEcstSFtx5
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) August 19, 2025
Call to Defend Free Expression
Shahid urged both journalists and members of parliament to “stand firm against this bill and defend press freedom, a cornerstone of democracy we’ve fought hard to build”. He described the proposal as “draconian” stressing that freedom of expression must be protected in line with commitments made under the international Media Freedom Coalition, of which Maldives is a member.
“The government must withdraw this bill immediately and respect the right to freedom of expression” Shahid declared.
Wider Opposition Growing
The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission, consolidating them into a single powerful commission with disciplinary powers over journalists and media outlets. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has also called for its withdrawal, describing it as a “complete killing of free journalism”.
Shahid’s remarks underscore the growing political and civil society opposition to the legislation, which critics argue will concentrate control over the media in the hands of the executive while stifling independent voices.
