Maldives: Civic freedoms at risk with new media bill, targeting of protesters and attacks on judicial independence

The state of civic space is rated as ‘obstructed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Over the last few years, there have been reports of harassment and threats to journalists, arbitrary arrests and excessive force against protesters, restrictions on protest and threats against human rights defenders, both offline and online, including against women activists. The government has also failed to deal effectively with past crimes.

In April 2025, civil society groups including CIVICUS and FORUM-ASIA made a submission to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of the review of the human rights record of the Maldives in November 2025. In the submission the groups raised concerns around restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, the use of excessive police force and continued impunity for these violations. They also highlighted the slow progress in undertaking comprehensive reforms of laws related to freedom of peaceful assembly and protection of human rights defenders.

In July 2025, the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) called on the government to ensure that the ongoing selection process for vacant commissioner positions at the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) fully complies with the Paris Principles, the internationally recognised standards that underpin the independence, effectiveness, and credibility of national human rights institutions (NHRIs). This process must involve meaningful consultations with civil society and ensure that appointees are selected based on demonstrated integrity, competence, and experience in protecting and promoting human rights.

In recent months, a bill has been introduced to create a commission that could undermine media freedom, while harassment and threats against the media persist. Protests by the opposition and youths have been met with arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force. The government has failed to ensure accountability for the disappearance of journalist Rilwan Abdullah or to reinstate the registration of the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN). There were concerns about judicial independence following the removal of judges from the Supreme Court.

Expression

New media bill a threat to press freedom

A controversial media bill was revived before parliament on 18th August 2025, that is seeking to create a new super media regulator with sweeping punitive powers.

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the proposed bill, introduced by MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr, seeks to dissolve the current Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom), replacing the bodies with a new “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission” with excessive controls and powers.

The proposed bill’s stringent measures include fining journalists between MVR 5,000 and 25,000 (USD 325 and USD1,620) and media outlets up to MVR 100,000 (USD 6,490) for non-compliance with currently undrafted commission rules. It would also allow the commission to suspend media registrations during any investigations, block newspaper websites and halt broadcasts.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) said the bill included “vaguely defined terms that are ripe for abuse” and “introduced draconian penalties and other severe punishments for journalists.” It added that the current bill was drafted without consultation with journalists, their unions and media outlets, calling the bill’s true intention into question. The MJA and critics contend the proposed bill would ultimately stifle independent reporting and create a climate of fear and intimidation for journalists.

As previously documented, a bill similar to the current proposed controversial bill was first tabled to the People’s Majlis in November 2024 by the same politician, but was subsequently withdrawn after strong opposition from media, including the MJA.

Harassment and threats against the media

The proposed bill is just the latest attempt to undermine the media in the Maldives. The country is ranked in 104th place out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom index published in May 2025. In its report, RSF said that the current government has stepped up its attacks on the press and that journalists are also subjected to threats and intimidation by Wahhabi-influenced religious extremists

Previously, in February 2025, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission threatened punitive action against Raajje TV over the lyrics of a song aired to promote the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s 31st January 2025 protest march. The alleged violations relate to provisions that require news programmes to “always rely on a credible source of information” and to "strive to maintain accuracy, impartiality, fairness, and balance.”

Amir Saleem, programme manager at Raajje TV, described the probe as a direct attack on artistic expression. Ali Rifshan, president of the Maldive Journalist Association, expressed concern over the investigation and questioned the commission’s intent. “Such controversial songs have been broadcasted on other channels in previous occasions and broadcom has never launched an investigation”, he said, adding that the current inquiry “seems to be an attempt to stifle press freedom.”

In March 2025, The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned alleged threats made by President Mohamed Muizzu against Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, the CEO of the independent news outlet Adhadhu. According to Adhadhu, President Muizzu personally contacted Fiyaz and threatened to take “strict action” against both the journalist and the outlet due to its recent coverage. This coverage included an article announcing that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed intends to pursue legal action against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) over comments made by a party activist about the couple’s son during a rally.

In May 2025, the Maldives Media Council condemned threats and insults directed at individual journalists and media outlets on both political platforms and social media. In a press statement, the Council reported receiving multiple complaints concerning such threats, noting that they were targeted at journalists and media entities across various public forums.

In addition, the Council observed discriminatory practices in how information is shared with different journalists and media organisations. It called on relevant authorities to refrain from such conduct and ensure equal access to information.

Peaceful Assembly

Arrests and excessive force against opposition protests

There have been continued reports of opposition protesters facing arrest and excessive force.

In March 2025, the main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a series of protests for two weeks in the capital Male against poverty and corruption.

On 8th March 2025, the protest was met with force. Some women who participated in the protest were injured due to the use of force by the police.

According to reports, police barricaded and closed off the area around the MDP campaign site from both sides to prevent the protest. When protesters began to move towards Majeedhee Magu, police began using force and even used pepper spray on the protesters. As a result, several women were affected. Further, two elderly women who were there had severe difficulty breathing due to the effects of pepper spray. Raajje TV journalists present at the scene also witnessed some people falling to the ground. A female journalist from Raajje TV was also affected by pepper spray. She injured her elbow when male police officers pushed the media back.

On 9th March, two individuals from the MDP were arrested during a protest. Officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) obstructed the demonstration and arrested Ibrahim “Gabbarey” Abdulla, the President of MDP's South Mahchangoalhi constituency, and Ahmed Shazeen, the President of Central Mahchangoalhi constituency. The two were arrested without any stated reason.

Riot police were accused of using disproportionate force as they pushed back opposition protesters on 12th March 2025, resulting in injuries. On the same day, the police summoned a former MDP MP involved in leading the demonstrations. Mohamed Rae was accused of violating the freedom of assembly law, disrupting traffic and businesses, and obstructing police duty.

Protests seeking justice in Holhudhoo island face obstruction and excessive force

In April 2025, protests were mobilised demanding justice in connection with the death of Zakiyya Moosa. Zakiyya was found dead with injuries on 10th September 2024. Since then, the police have been conducting an investigation into the case. However, several have expressed concerns about some of the statements made by the police and the way the police investigation is being conducted.

On 25th April 2025, police obstructed and used force against the public who took to the streets to protest in Holhudhoo island of Noonu atoll, demanding justice for Zakiyya Moosa. According to the protesters, even before the protest began, several police officers operating in the island swarmed the streets and taped off the area, including the Council Office and Police Station, blocking public access.

When the protesters gathered near the Holhudhoo Police Station, the police attempted to push them back. Video footage showed a police officer trying to grab and twist the arm of an elderly person, while video circulated on social media showing a police officer hitting someone during the protest.

Youth protest disrupted and two arrested

On 2nd May 2025, the police disrupted the protest held by youth calling for justice for a 21-year-old, who was found fallen from the ninth floor of a building on 18th April 2025.

According to reports, police infiltrated the peaceful protest held by youth and used pepper spray as well as allegedly assaulted the protesters. Several protesters suffered multiple injuries.

Police also arrested and remanded two individuals - Aishath Shiman Ahmed, 19, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, 28. They were both key organisers of the protest. However, no footage shows either of these two individuals obstructing police duties or displaying disobedience. Instead, footage shows Mahzoom being thrown to the ground and his shirt being torn when he was arrested.

On 3rd July 2025, they were official charged. Mahzoom has been charged under Section 120B (3) of the Penal Code, which criminalises assault or use of force against law enforcement or military personnel. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of one year, seven months, and six days, with the maximum penalty reaching up to four years in prison.

Shiman has been charged under Section 532A of the Penal Code for obstructing law enforcement personnel from performing official duties. The offence carries a minimum sentence of four months and 24 days, and a maximum of one year of imprisonment.

Association

NGO denounces 11 years of silence and obstruction

On 9th August 2025, the Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM) urged the People’s Majlis and the global community to hold accountable both current and former officials for the enforced disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, marking 11 years since his kidnapping.

In a statement, ADM charged previous administrations with not only failing to provide justice but also protecting those involved in the case. The organisation urged officials to take definitive measures, emphasising: “We demand that you hold the government and specific public officials accountable for these actions and failures”.

As previously documented, Rilwan Abdullah was abducted and disappeared in 2014 following repeated death threats by Islamic extremists in the Maldives. He was targeted for his criticism of religious fundamentalism and violent extremism through his journalism, personal blog and social media accounts.

A criminal trial from September 2017 to August 2018 acquitted suspects, with the judge noting critical matters of negligence in the investigation and prosecution that failed to achieve a conviction. The Presidential Commission on Deaths and Disappearances (DDCOM) formed in 2018 by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, was disbanded after a full term, with nothing to show for the promised justice for Rilwan’s family.

Government fails to implement UN recommendation to reinstate MDN

The government has yet to implement the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee in July 2024 to reinstate the registration of the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) and return its funds without delay.

As previously documented, in December 2019, MDN was arbitrarily de-registered and its funds seized by the government. The government took these actions following a politically motivated violent smear campaign that resulted in hundreds of death threats against MDN’s human rights defenders. To date, the police have not thoroughly investigated those who incited violence and hatred.

In September 2020, MDN’s founder filed a case in the Civil Court, challenging the legality of the government’s actions. The Attorney General used the Islamic Ministry’s abrupt and baseless decision as evidence. In its 2023 ruling favouring the deregistration of MDN, the Civil Court failed to address the procedural irregularities which formed the basis of the claim. Two years on, the case still awaits an appeal hearing at the High Court.

MDN, the longest-serving human rights organisation in the Maldives, was formed in August 2004 in response to the widespread arbitrary detention and torture of protestors resisting decades of authoritarianism in the country.

Concerns over judicial independence

In April 2025, Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, expressed grave concern over the disciplinary action and suspension of three Supreme Court judges – Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Justice Husnu Al Suood and Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir – reportedly to prevent judicial review of an amendment to the Maldives Constitution which introduced anti-defection measures for members of Parliament.

The Supreme Court was preparing to rule on a petition regarding a constitutional amendment that would have stripped lawmakers of their seats if they left or were expelled from the party under which they were elected

The Special Rapporteur noted with concern that on 25th February, a bill was adopted in Parliament to amend the Judicature Act and reduce the size of the Supreme Court bench from seven to five judges and require the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to submit the names of two judges to be removed from the Supreme Court bench for incompetence.

Satterthwaite was also alarmed that on 26th February 2025, the President of the Anti-Corruption Commission informed the JSC that they were investigating anonymous complaints against the three judges, who had taken strong positions during the earlier deliberations on the amendment. Furthermore, the three were suspended by the JSC and notified of the opening of separate disciplinary proceedings against them. One of the judges resigned in protest.

In June 2025, concerns around the dismissal of the judges were also echoed by the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). The group said that the process leading to their removal raises grave concerns over the lack of due process and potential executive interference in the judiciary, with wider implications for the rule of law.