Lawmakers attempt to call Defamation Bill up for vote on Tuesday

“Sun” has been informed that the committee will provide their approval for the defamation and freedom of speech bill with no major amendments this Monday, and attempt to call the bill up for vote on Tuesday.

A senior lawmaker from ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) informed “Sun” that the decision had been made to call the bill up for vote during the People’s Majlis sitting on Tuesday, and that the committee had made no major changes to the controversial bill.

“There will be minor changes to address media concerns. But it isn’t likely factors such as the fine amount will be amended,” said the lawmaker.

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has urged all PPM lawmakers to attend the Majlis sitting on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, opposition – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has issued a three-line whip to its 22 lawmakers to vote against the bill, and 7 Jumhoory Party (JP) lawmakers have voiced against the bill.

However, all lawmakers aligned with the government – except for two – approve the bill.

The two PPM lawmakers who have openly voiced out against the bill are Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa and MP Faris Maumoon – who is the son of the leader of PPM, former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Maumoon has also appealed to PPM lawmakers not to back the bill.

Defamation bill was proposed to the People’s Majlis by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group member, Jaufar Dhaood.

It prescribes fines between MVR 50,000 to MVR 2,0000,000 for defamation. And the decision can be appealed in courts only after the reporter has paid the fine.

The case will be reported to police and prosecuted, if the reporter fails to pay the fine.

It prescribes prison sentences from 3 – 6 months if the reporter fails to pay the fine within the period of time given by court after the case is sent for prosecution.