Draconian Defamation Act becomes law
President Abdulla Yameen has signed into law a draconian bill that sets hefty fines and jail terms for journalists and individuals found guilty of slander.
11 Aug 2016, 9:00 AM
President Abdulla Yameen has signed into law a draconian bill that sets hefty fines and jail terms for journalists and individuals found guilty of slander.
The Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act was published in the government’s official journal today.
The law, which drew widespread condemnation, allows regulators to close newspapers and other media if they fail to pay fines.
Journalists claim Yameen has sounded the death knell for free speech and press freedom in the Maldives, and set the stage for the jailing of journalists and closure of media outlets critical of the government.
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