International concern on the bill threatening freedom of expression

International community has raised concerns over the bill of Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Expression at the Parliament.

UN Resident Coordinator to the Maldives, Ms. Shoko Noda said that her hope is that acceptable changes would be brought to the bill to address the concerns of the journalist before passing it. Journalists have been raising concerns of the bill that overshadows the right to freedom of expression.

The US Embassy in Colombo raised concerned regarding the bill in a statement saying that the Anti-Defamation bill causing obstructions to the freedom of expression. The US Embassy said that the bill is designed to pass harsh punishments to those embracing a right in an independent democracy.

Nations that expressed concerns regarding the bill include USA, Norway, Netherlands, Germany and the UK along with the EU Mission in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

USA said that their aid would be provided to all those who are working towards the protection of the rights.

The statement from the US Embassy called to President Abdulla Yamenen Abdul Gayoom to return to democracy from the step back the country has taken with the bill.

The debate phase of the bill has been scheduled on the agenda at the Parliament tomorrow. MP Jaufaur Daood, who presented the bill, said that concerns from the journalists on the bill would be reviewed.

While MP for the Ungoofaaru constituency, Jaufaur has said this, the MP for Dhiggaru constituency, Ahmed Faaris Maumoon has criticized the bill and retracted his support for it.

Journalists from across the country have been raising concerns saying that journalism in the country would face numerous challenged if the Anti-Defamation bill is passed into a law as it is now.