A group of 16 global organizations has delivered a collective letter to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, expressing significant concerns regarding the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill under consideration by the People’s Majlis. The letter cautions that the legislation represents a major danger to media freedom in the Maldives and demands its prompt retraction.

The contentious law, proposed by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, would provide extensive powers to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, such as the ability to close media organizations, restrict access to news sites, and halt broadcasts. The legislation also suggests severe financial fines, varying from MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000 for individual reporters, and reaching as high as MVR 100,000 for media companies.

In the letter, the signatories voiced concern regarding the absence of dialogue with journalists and media representatives during the bill's creation. They highlighted that any laws affecting press freedom should be created openly and with extensive input from the media industry.

The organizations also pointed out that the legislation directly conflicts with important sections of the Maldivian Constitution, namely Article 27, which safeguards freedom of expression, and Article 28, which ensures freedom of the press.

Notable press freedom and human rights organizations among the signatories include the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights Watch (HRW), and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA).

The letter signifies increasing global concern regarding the Muizzu administration's media regulation strategy, as rights organizations caution that the proposed bill could reverse hard-fought democratic liberties and weaken independent journalism in the Maldives.