The People’s Majlis Independent Institutions Committee convened in a closed meeting on Wednesday to discuss the contentious bill targeting independent media, despite increasing public dissent and evident breaches of parliamentary standards.

The 32nd meeting of the committee, set for 10am on Wednesday, had on its agenda the evaluation of the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. Nevertheless, reporters seeking to participate were barred entry, and the session was deemed confidential, signifying the second straight day the committee has functioned secretly.

Parliamentary rules generally mandate that committee gatherings be accessible to the public, particularly when assessing legislation that has significant effects on civil liberties. However, the meeting on Tuesday was conducted privately, inciting strong backlash from journalists and advocates for transparency.

The proposal to adjourn Wednesday’s meeting was made by MP Ibrahim Naseem of Thulusdhoo constituency, who contended that the review process could not be finalized that day and that the livestream might disclose the identities of individuals who provided public comments on the legislation. The motion was supported by MP for Kelaa constituency Abdulla Shareef and subsequently received unanimous approval from the committee members present.

The bill, presented by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, is largely viewed as a government-supported attempt to limit media freedom. Although numerous lawmakers aligned with the government, especially from the dominant People’s National Congress (PNC), are advocating for the bill's rapid approval, reporters and media entities continue to express strong resistance.

A petition with 152 journalist signatures has been submitted to the President’s Office and the People's Majlis, urging the swift dismissal of the bill. Demonstrators claim that the law signifies a blatant assault on independent journalism and aims to suppress dissent and hide corruption.