Debate on defamation bill scheduled for Monday

Debate on the anti-defamation and freedom of expression bill – proposed by Ungoofaaru MP Jaufar Dhaood - has been scheduled for the People’s Majlis sitting on Monday amid widespread criticism – especially from reporters.

The bill re-criminalizes defamation, and prescribes up to MVR 2 million in fines for defamation, and prison sentences up to 6 months if the accused is unable to pay the fine.

Amnesty International has also expressed concern over the bill.

The organization said that the bill obstructed freedom of expression, and appealed to Maldivian government to either immediately retract the bill, or amend it to fit international human rights acts.

Amnesty International noted that freedom of expression was guaranteed through multiple declarations that Maldivian government is a part of.

The organization said that the terms of the bill were ambiguous, and increased the chances of reporters who criticize the government being penalized.

Amnesty International said that using defamation law to stop peaceful criticism was a violation of freedom of expression, and that the organization opposed criminalizing defamation.

The organization noted that the defamation bill was being pushed at a time of great constrictions being placed on the freedom of expression in the country, with police arresting

16 reporters during a peaceful demonstration in April, and stopping the peaceful demonstration to protest the bill, this week.

Amnesty International as well as other human rights organizations and both local and international media alleges the defamation bill is an instrument to cripple the media, and prevent allegations of corruption against senior government officials from coming to light.