Freedom Of Expression


President Yameen on hate speech and limits of free expression
On Thursday, President Abdulla Yameen spoke about hate speech and the limits of freedom of expression. The remarks were widely seen as a reference to the murder of liberal blogger Yameen Rasheed.
03 May 2017, 9:00 AM


MP under investigation for ‘hateful’ tweet
The Jumhooree Party MP said the police did not directly accuse him of a specific crime, “but it was quiet clear from their questioning and also from the comments they made that I have been accused of obstruction of police duties and of inciting hatred and violence.”
01 Aug 2016, 9:00 AM


Defamation bill on Majlis agenda as free speech campaign gains momentum
A group of journalists launched a campaign last week to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the proposed law, warning that it would spell the end of a free press as well as freedom of expression in the Maldives.
31 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM


Social media activist arrested for ‘inciting hatred’
Shammoon Jaleel was arrested with a court warrant on suspicion of fomenting unrest and inciting hatred among the public towards the security forces. The criminal court also authorised the police to confiscate his phone to extract all his conversations, text messages, and other interactions.
30 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM


Bill proposes criminalizing ‘expressions contrary to national interest and Islamic tenets’
A draft freedom of expression legislation – obtained by Minivan News – states that four types of “expressions contrary to national interest” will constitute criminal offences: encouraging harm to a person or damage to private party, calling for the illegal overthrow of the government, threatening the country’s independence, sovereignty, and security, and accusing a person of committing a hadd offence without conclusive evidence.
19 Jul 2015, 7:49 PM
HRCM raises concern over growing religious conservatism in Universal Period Review
16 Sep 2014, 4:10 PM
Journalists association calls on government to amend controversial regulations on publishing literature
11 Sep 2014, 12:23 PM
Maldivians not allowed to express or assemble freely: Maldivian Democracy Network
18 Aug 2014, 3:22 PM
Finding missing journalist of “high priority,” says police
18 Aug 2014, 1:33 AM
Human Rights Commission VP calls for state response to abductions
11 Jun 2014, 6:25 PM
Chief Justice threatens action against dissemination of “invalid information”
28 Oct 2013, 3:52 PM
Maldives failing to uphold international human rights obligations: Forum Asia
24 Jun 2013, 1:09 PM
Raajje TV wins court battle against President’s Office over discriminatory treatment
14 Apr 2013, 6:00 PM
Police decision to ostracise Raajje TV unconstitutional, rules civil court
05 Feb 2013, 5:44 PM
Supreme Court criminalises offences within the exercise of freedom of assembly, expression
08 Dec 2012, 11:36 AM
Police crack down on ‘harassment’ of politicians
14 Aug 2012, 6:30 PM
Arson, rubber bullets, batons and pepper spray: MDP protests continue
12 Jul 2012, 5:30 PM
People are misusing right to freedom of expression: Waheed
14 Jun 2012, 6:10 PM
Government must guarantee safety and rights of journalists: Reporters Without Borders
14 Feb 2012, 3:00 PM
Criminal Court orders release of Dr Jameel, rules arrest unlawful
17 Jan 2012, 11:55 PM