The United Nations has urged the Maldives to repeal its newly approved media regulation law, warning that the legislation will severely undermine press freedom and restrict citizens’ right to free expression.
President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Media and Broadcasting Regulations Law last week, just a day after its approval by parliament. Rights groups have criticized the move, describing it as a direct attack on the independence of journalists and media outlets.
The law establishes a powerful regulatory commission with sweeping authority, including the ability to suspend outlets, block newspaper websites and even retroactively sanction content published up to a year earlier.
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UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the rules were incompatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Maldives is a signatory. She described the provisions as overly broad and intrusive.
The commission will have powers to impose heavy fines, up to 25,000 rufiyaa ($1,625) for journalists and 100,000 rufiyaa ($6,500) for media organizations. It can also revoke licenses and pursue punitive action against editorial offices.
Defending the law, the Maldivian foreign ministry argued that it was designed to curb misinformation and restore public confidence in media. However, UN officials warned it comes amid a concerning decline in institutional checks and balances.
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UN rights chief Volker Turk has appealed to Maldivian authorities to withdraw the law and offered technical assistance to help ensure media reforms respect human rights and international obligations.