Press Freedom
What’s actually in the "Media Control Act"?
The new law hands sweeping powers to a single regulator with authority over broadcast, print and online media.
21 Sep, 4:40 PM
The 31-day sprint: a timeline of the "media control law"
The journalist union vow disobedience.
18 Sep, 11:00 PM
"Final day for press freedom": media bill passes amid arrests and expulsions
New regulator can fine and shutter media outlets.
16 Sep, 7:28 PM
Journalists rally against "burying free expression" as government denies targeting social media
Definition of "electronic" sparks fierce debate.
14 Sep, 9:11 PM
"Media control bill" heads for Monday vote after secret committee review
Editors vow defiance despite looming regulatory crackdown.
11 Sep, 7:27 PM
"Throw it out": journalists deliver unified rejection of media regulation bill
Representatives from 22 outlets unanimously opposed "media control bill."
03 Sep, 10:30 PM
Maldives media stands firm in standoff over "control bill"
Parliament pushes ahead with creation of new regulator.
28 Aug, 11:00 PM
The battle for control over Maldives media
Proposed law could replace self-regulation and state control.
24 Aug, 5:33 PM
Showdown looms as Maldives media mobilises against regulatory overhaul
Bill proposes new commission with power to shut down outlets.
21 Aug, 2:37 PM
Episode 2: Press freedom in the Maldives
Alifu Haa offers deeper context, extra clips, and behind-the-scenes insights from our features.
21 Jun, 7:55 AM
Media warned against ‘promoting convicts’
Broadcasting interviews and statements from convicted politicians violates the Jails and Parole Act, authorities claimed.
30 May 2018, 9:00 AM
Regulator wants ‘broadest possible’ journalism under new rules
The media regulator wants journalists to practice their profession “as broadly as possible” within new legal restrictions.
06 May 2018, 9:00 AM
Maldives falls again in press freedom index
The Maldives is now ranked between Nigeria and Angola on the 2018 press freedom index.
25 Apr 2018, 9:00 AM
Maldives accused of intimidating, silencing media
Transparency Maldives has condemned the government for proposing a bill that would merge two existing media watchdogs and “expand its sphere of state control on print and social media as well”.
07 Nov 2017, 9:00 AM
Broad powers for proposed media regulator
If written or broadcasted content is deemed to pose a danger to Islam, national security, public order or public health, the new Maldives Media Commission can ask the police to stop publication or broadcast.
30 Oct 2017, 9:00 AM
Seven journalists arrested from opposition protest
The journalists were accused of obstructing police duty while Specialist Operations officers attempted to disperse the “unlawful gathering”.
27 Jul 2017, 9:00 AM
Police question Vnews editor over ‘misleading’ headline
The police contended that the headline, ‘Adam Azim arrested on charges of trying to topple the government,’ misrepresented the content of the arrest warrant. The senior opposition figure was accused of speaking in a manner that encouraged the illegal overthrow of the government.
11 Jun 2017, 9:00 AM
Raajje TV fined MVR1m over speech defaming Yameen
The broadcasting regulator has slapped an MVR1 million (US$64,850) fine on the Raajje TV for airing a speech at an opposition rally in October that was deemed defamatory towards President Abdulla Yameen.
06 Apr 2017, 9:00 AM
Maldives fights rumours of island sales to Saudi Arabia with clampdown
Police officers on the island of Magoodhoo in Faafu atoll forced a journalist working as a stringer for The New York Times to sign a statement saying he would not interview islanders about the rumoured multi-billion investment from Saudi Arabia.
02 Apr 2017, 9:00 AM
Raajje TV journalist cleared of second obstruction charge
Delivering a verdict on Tuesday, Judge Ahmed Shakeel said the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient
28 Mar 2017, 9:00 AM
