IFJ calls for government to withdraw defamation bill

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on Wednesday, called for Maldivian government to withdraw the bill to amend Defamation and Freedom of Expression Act, which has been accepted into People’s Majlis for consideration.

IFJ joins Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) in criticizing the bill, which they called an attack on press freedom and media.

“This move by the government is aimed at silencing critics and weakening the country’s already fragile media. The bill proposes criminalising defamation which is against the international standards and is a threat to freedom of expression and free press, read the press statement by IFJ.

The organization called for Maldivian government to immediately withdraw the bill and hold discussions with all stakeholders including media agencies regarding defamation and freedom of expression.

IFJ’s statement comes after 10 top Maldivian journalists released a joint press statement on March 27 saying that the bill prevented journalists and ordinary citizens from speaking about serious accusations of corruption about senior state officials, and questioning their integrity.

They expressed concern that anyone who said anything remotely offensive regarding a state official ran the risk of criminal investigation and prosecution on the pretense of defamation.

And added that it was a clear violation of freedom of speech – a constitutional right of every citizen.

The bill calls for fines between MVR 50,00 to MVR 5 million for violations – and jail sentences for those who fail to pay the fine. It also calls for media stations that published anything deemed as “defamatory” to have their licenses revoked.

The bill was proposed to Majlis on behalf on government by Parliamentary Group Leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Vili-Mafannu MP Ahmed Nihan.