The Maldivian Parliament has recently approved a highly controversial Media Regulation Bill, sparking widespread protests and heated debates both inside the legislative chamber and in public spaces outside the People's Majlis building. The bill’s passage on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, was marked by dramatic scenes, including the forceful removal of opposition MPs and spirited demonstrations by journalists and civil society advocates who warn that this legislation poses a severe threat to press freedom and freedom of expression in the Maldives.

The contentious legislation, introduced by an independent MP aligned with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), aims to replace the existing Maldives Media Council and Broadcasting Commission with a new seven-member Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. This newly created body would hold extensive authority, including the power to impose hefty fines, suspend licenses, block websites, and even shutter media outlets without court orders. The bill passed overwhelmingly with 60 votes in favor from the PNC majority, while only one MP voted against it. Opposition MPs actively protested during the session and were subsequently expelled from the chamber by security officers.

Journalists and media organizations have vocally criticized the bill, highlighting provisions that they say will stifle independent journalism and curtail critical reporting. Over 150 journalists signed a petition requesting the bill’s withdrawal, a move dismissed by parliamentary committees. These groups, alongside international watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders, argue that the legislation grants excessive discretionary powers to a regulatory body tightly linked to the government, putting media independence at risk and undermining democratic accountability.

The bill’s critics express fears that the vague language and broad powers allowed could be used to silence dissenting voices and punish journalists who expose uncomfortable truths. These concerns have led to sustained street protests, witnessed not only in the capital Malé but across various atolls. Protesters carrying placards demanding "No Censorship" and "Protect Free Press" have faced police pushbacks, with law enforcement using riot gear and force to disperse crowds. Several protesters, including journalists and activists, were detained briefly during the demonstrations.

Government supporters, on the other hand, defend the bill as a necessary step to regulate an expanding media landscape, citing concerns over defamation and misinformation. They frame the bill as ensuring media accountability while accommodating some amendments suggested by journalists. Still, many remain unconvinced, viewing the legislation as part of a broader pattern of tightening governmental control under President Mohamed Muizzu's administration—one that critics liken to authoritarian tactics that threaten Maldives’ democratic institutions.

This development occurs amid a broader backdrop of political tensions and democratic challenges in the Maldives, sparking a pivotal debate on how to balance regulatory needs with robust protections for press freedoms. It also raises significant questions about the future role of independent journalism in a nation that has experienced rapid political shifts in recent years. The international community, including diplomatic missions like the U.S. Embassy in Malé, have publicly urged the Maldivian government to safeguard free expression and maintain space for opposition voices in the public discourse.