Maldives president ratifies controversial media law granting fines and shutdown powers

MALE, Maldives — Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, a controversial law that allows the government to impose hefty fines and to suspend or permanently close media outlets that violate its provisions.

The act provides for individual fines of up to $1,620 against journalists and up to $6,485 against media companies found to contravene the law. It also allows authorities to suspend media licenses until investigations are complete, file litigation seeking cancellation of licenses, or send police to stop broadcasts midstream if violations are detected. A seven-member committee will be appointed to enforce the rules and investigate offenses.

Muizzu's office said he ratified the act after Parliament last Tuesday approved it by an overwhelming majority. Of the 93 MPs, 60 government lawmakers voted for the bill after opposition members were evicted amid protests.

The law requires journalists to respect the nation’s constitution, Islam, national security, social values, and protect personal honor and human rights. A seven-member committee will be appointed to ensure compliance and investigate offenses, providing a formal mechanism to adjudicate potential breaches of the new rules.

The Maldives, known as a high-end tourist destination, has a short democratic history and has faced a difficult transition since becoming a multiparty democracy in 2008, ending 30 years of autocratic rule.