Protests to be covered only by journalists

It has been stipulated in a bill curbing certain rights relating to freedom of assembly passed by the parliament today, that protests can only be reported by journalists permitted by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission.

The “Bill on Peaceful Assembly” was passed by the majority vote of members supporting the current government. Article 54 of the bill states that journalists reporting news of gatherings have to be accredited by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, and that the commission is to formulate and announce a regulation on accrediting journalists within three months of the passing of the bill.

When the bill was sent to the committee, it was Maldives Media Council (MMC) that had the authority to regulate journalists. However by the time the report was researched by the committee, this authority had been given to the Broadcasting Commission. This gave the Commission, which also has the authority to oversee broadcasting media, to influence print and online media.

However, the authority to regulate all local media is given to MMC by a separate Act.

The bill, compiled and submitted to the parliament by Kulhudhuffushi-South MP Mohamed Nasheed and researched by a parliament committee, states that neither the police nor the public shall obstruct a duly accredited journalist reporting police actions when disbanding a protest.

The bill states however, that the police can order journalists to move to a safe distance in an instance where the police are obligated to exercise their legal responsibilities. This, the bills states, shall not be considered obstruction of media.

The bill also states that accredited journalists shall not act in a manner that signifies them to have joined the protests. The bill however, fails to specify these actions. The bill states that in such an instance, police have the right to consider the journalist a part of the protest and act accordingly.

Regarding the live broadcast of protests, Article 55 of the bill states that the broadcast media shall implement a delay of 60 seconds in their broadcast of the events to the public. The bill states that the reason for the delay is to allow the broadcaster to refrain from broadcasting speech or actions that contradicts principles of broadcasting.

A total of 74 members took part in the vote, of which 44 members voted in favour of the bill. The 30-member MDP parliamentary group voted against the bill.

The bill prohibits gathering in the Republican Square and areas surrounding Maldives Monetary Authority, the Official Residence of the President, MNDF and Police headquarters. The bill also stipulates the nearest distance a protester maybe allowed from these places.

The bill also prohibits standing still or sitting down near the Parliament building, mosques, schools, courts of the judiciary and the President’s Office. The bill however, allows the protesters to freely walk by these places.

The bill, which was submitted to the parliament last April, was researched by a committee largely composed of members supporting the government. The committee is made up of chairman Vilufushee MP Riyaz Rasheed, committee vice-chairman Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir, Hulhu-Henveyru MP Reeko Moosa Manik, Kimbidhoo MP Moosa Rameez, Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, Maduvvari MP Visam Ali, and Funadhoo MP Abdulla Abdul-Raheem.