Episode 10: Live from the journalists’ protest site

Despite the government’s claims that the bill is not state-sponsored, both President Muizzu and the Attorney General have defended it. Journalists argue this draft undermines free speech and imposes unconstitutional restrictions on their profession.

Protesters shared their demands, their frustration at not being consulted, and their resolve not to accept the bill “even for discussion on amendments.” They spoke about constitutional violations, the dangers of self-censorship, and why this fight goes beyond journalism to the protection of fundamental freedoms.

The episode also includes insights from the meeting between journalists and the president, and coverage of the Attorney General’s press conference — which ended with reporters walking out in protest.

From recalling years of exposing corruption to warnings that this bill would curtail rights far beyond the media, the voices in this episode reflect a profession standing firm.

0:38 - What is going on?

0:55 - Why is the President and the Attorney General defending the bill if it's not government sponsored?

2:10 - Super Commission's composition

3:42 - "Not just an attack on media. This restricts free speech!"

4:50 - Details of the meeting with President Dr Muizzu

6:04 - Reference to a 2022 bill draft

7:25 - "It is not for the government to instruct journalists on how they should do their job!"

8:30 - Non negotiable; cannot accept this draft even for discussion on amendments.

9:15 - MJA, MMC, MBC and senior journalists should have been consulted 10:20How do you journalists plan to move forward?

11:35 - "Void ab initio"

12:20 - Constitutional violations

13:04 - Will journalists back down? Self censor?

14:30 - "We have seen worse times!"

15:25 - "From 2010 onward I have been a journalist, exposing corruption and raising alarm over curbing of press freedoms - I have been a constant. How many presidents have we seen change since then?"