The continuous efforts of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration to obstruct independent journalism in the Maldives have recently attracted significant global scrutiny. A major worry is the government's coordinated attempt to stifle demonstrations led by journalists against the disputed media control bill, which has been presented in the People’s Majlis with the administration's complete support.

The law, which many see as aimed at jeopardizing press freedom in the nation, has triggered widespread backlash from international groups championing media autonomy. These organizations have intensely implored the Maldivian government to rethink the law, referencing its ability to significantly restrict freedom of expression and the press in the area.

Significantly, journalists’ groups from South Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, have come together to denounce the law. These organizations have demanded its swift dismissal, emphasizing the threats it presents to independent journalism in the Maldives. Prominent international organizations like the Center for Law and Democracy, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Internews, and South Asia for Human Rights have all voiced their concern, urging the government to retract the bill.

In a significant move, a collaborative letter has been dispatched straight to President Muizzu from various pertinent organizations operating in the Maldives. The letter encourages the president to distance himself from policies that jeopardize the nation's democracy and essential rights. It emphasizes that limiting media freedom and weakening the authority of important councils could destabilize the democratic structure of the Maldives, possibly resulting in wider human rights abuses.