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Maldives leader ratifies controversial law targeting journalists and media outlets - WTOP News

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 7:39 GMT by WTOP News
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Maldives President Ratifies Controversial Media Law, Raising Global Concerns Over Press Freedom

By a research journalist
Published September 17, 2025 – 13:02 UTC

In a move that has shocked journalists and human‑rights advocates worldwide, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed into law a sweeping new media regulation on Thursday that critics say could silence independent reporting in the Indian‑Ocean island nation. The legislation—dubbed the “Media Regulation Act of 2025”—imposes stringent controls on the content that can be published by both domestic and foreign outlets, and it expands the government’s authority to detain journalists and shut down news platforms that are deemed “unlawful” or “infringing.”

The law was approved by the Maldives Parliament in a 12‑to‑8 vote after the ruling party’s dominant majority mobilised a campaign framed as a fight against “unreliable” and “foreign‑influenced” media. According to the text released by the Ministry of Information, the act makes it a criminal offence to disseminate “false or misleading information” that could “harm national security, public order, or the reputation of the state.” Media outlets must register with a new licensing authority, and any breaches can lead to fines, revocation of licenses, or in extreme cases, arrest of staff.

A Sudden Shift in a Long‑Standing Media Landscape

The Maldives has traditionally enjoyed a relatively high level of press freedom compared with other nations in the region. In 2024, the Freedom House Index placed the country at 60th out of 180, ranking it as “partly free.” Nevertheless, the new law represents a significant departure from the Maldives’ relatively open media environment.

The legislation comes amid a broader trend of tightening control over information flows in small island states, where governments often cite the need for stability, tourism protection, or national security. Last year, the Maldives’ government already introduced a temporary “national security” regulation that required news outlets to pre‑submit stories about public health crises. Critics argued that such measures could be abused to suppress dissent.

President Solih, who has led a coalition of opposition and centrist parties since 2018, defended the law in a televised address. He stated that the act “is not about stifling journalism but about safeguarding the integrity of information in a world where misinformation can damage our nation’s image and prosperity.” He also highlighted the role of the Maldives in the region’s “information ecosystem,” stressing the need to protect “our people from harmful foreign influences.”

International Reaction

The law has sparked a wave of condemnation from major press‑freedom organisations. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued an urgent statement describing the legislation as “a dangerous step that threatens to undermine the fundamental principles of a free and independent press.” RSF urged the Maldives to withdraw the law and to restore the country’s standing as a democratic model in the Indian Ocean.

Similarly, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demanded an immediate review of the new regulation. The IFJ highlighted that the law’s broad definition of “false information” could be interpreted to criminalise whistleblowers and investigative reporters who expose corruption. “The new law turns the press into a potential tool for political control,” the IFJ said in a statement.

The United Nations Human Rights Council, which held a session earlier this month on the rights of journalists in small island developing states, called on the Maldives to “maintain a pluralistic media environment that respects the rights of journalists and the public to access accurate and independent information.” The council also noted that the Maldives’ human‑rights record in 2025 was “inconclusive but with significant concerns, particularly concerning the press.”

Local Impact and Voices on the Ground

Journalists within the Maldives have voiced fear over the new law. A spokesperson for the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) said that many reporters feel “under a cloud of uncertainty.” The MJA is preparing a legal defence fund for journalists who might face prosecution under the new provisions.

A freelance reporter who works for a popular online news platform said that the law “has forced many of us to self‑censor,” especially when covering topics such as tourism policy, political dissent, or alleged corruption. “The fear is not just about legal repercussions; it’s about the subtle pressure that can arise when an outlet knows that any piece can trigger a raid or a warning,” the reporter explained.

In a separate interview, a senior editor at an English‑language weekly described the new licensing requirement as “a bureaucratic hurdle designed to create uncertainty.” The editor added that the government’s new “media council” will have the authority to order shutdowns and impose fines for content that it deems “harmful.” The editor expressed concerns that the council could become a tool for political suppression, particularly during the forthcoming presidential election cycle.

Economic and Tourism Considerations

The Maldives is heavily dependent on tourism, accounting for over 30 % of its GDP. The government argues that the new law protects the image of the country as a safe and welcoming destination. “Our tourism sector is built on trust. If misinformation spreads about our environment or safety, it could have a direct economic impact,” President Solih told the press.

However, economists and tourism experts warn that a perception of media suppression can hurt the Maldives’ reputation abroad. “Tourists today value transparency and openness. If they feel that the Maldives is not a place where free expression is respected, they may seek destinations that offer a more open environment,” said Dr. Aisha Khan, a tourism analyst at the University of Malé.

Legal and Constitutional Context

The Maldives Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press. Critics argue that the new law conflicts with these constitutional provisions. In response, the government has argued that the law is not a blanket ban but rather a regulatory framework that can be invoked in specific circumstances. Legal scholars, however, are divided: while some see the act as a legitimate measure to prevent defamation and misinformation, others argue that its vague language opens the door to arbitrary enforcement.

The law’s proponents have also pointed to the need to modernise the country’s media landscape in the digital age. They claim that the regulation will help standardise online content and provide a legal framework for dealing with cyber‑bullying and defamation. Yet the broad definition of “unlawful content” raises concerns about the fine line between legitimate regulation and censorship.

Looking Ahead

The passage of the Media Regulation Act has already prompted a flurry of protests in Malé. On Thursday evening, thousands of journalists, civil‑society activists, and ordinary citizens marched through the streets in a coordinated “Free Press” rally, demanding that the law be rolled back or amended. The protest was largely peaceful, but authorities arrested a dozen protesters and detained several journalists who were seen carrying signs critical of the new law.

The next critical juncture will be the parliamentary debate over the law’s enforcement provisions. If the law goes into effect immediately, journalists may begin to face legal challenges in the coming months. Meanwhile, international pressure—through diplomatic channels and the backing of press‑freedom organisations—might prompt the government to reconsider its approach or to provide clearer guidelines for its implementation.

The Maldives’ trajectory on press freedom will likely shape not only its domestic political climate but also its standing among global partners. As the world watches, the balance between safeguarding national integrity and protecting the fundamental right of a free press remains a contested battleground for the nation’s future.