STOP THE MEDIA CONTROL BILL

Why This Bill Threatens Democracy

The proposed Media Control Bill would replace media self-regulation with government control, giving authorities unprecedented power to silence journalists and news outlets.

Crushing Financial Penalties

Individual journalists face fines up to MVR 25,000 (US$ 1,620) for not making "corrections" fast enough

Immediate Shutdowns

Media outlets can be shut down indefinitely without formal court verdicts during "investigations"

Newsroom Raids

"National security" clause allows the commission to enter newsrooms through police

Forced Apologies

Journalists can be forced to apologize for publishing information the government deems "false"

Internet Censorship

Commission can block websites and target social media posts and content creators

Rigged Oversight

President appoints 3 of 7 commission members, while parliament can dismiss elected media representatives

TAKE ACTION NOW

Email the Independent Institutions Committee to reject this dangerous bill. Click below to open your email client with a pre-written message. You can customize it with your name and organization before sending.

#UluBillOut #CTRLBillBeyrukurey #CTRLehNukureveyne

Learn more about the bill: Maldives Independent Coverage

This is an independent citizen initiative to defend press freedom