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
A controversial bill on criminalising defamation and restricting free speech has been placed on the agenda for Monday’s sitting of parliament despite international concern and growing opposition at home.
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.
The campaign is dubbed #27geDhifaauga (In Defence of 27) in reference to the constitutional article that guarantees freedom of expression.
“It’s been just three days since we launched the movement, and we’ve already made enough noise on social media and elsewhere about the bill,” Ali Naafiz, assistant editor of newspaper Mihaaru, told The Maldives Independent.
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