Maldives: Critical websites blocked while journalists, civil society continue to face challenges

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 women activists. The government has also failed to deal effectively with past crimes.

In January 2024, Human Rights Watch called on President Muizzu to focus on improving the justice system and supporting free expression. In their annual report the organisation highlighted concerns about the Freedom of Assembly Act which has been used to block protests and that human rights defenders and civil society organisations faced intimidation and threats on social media, often from Islamist extremist groups. Further, the authorities seldom investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of threats, intimidation and violence against civil society groups and critical voices in the Maldives.

In March 2024, Livingstone Sewanyana, UN independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, visited the Maldives. Among other issues, he reiterated the need to safeguard civic space which he said was "the cornerstone of democracy and good governance".

In recent months, the authorities blocked news websites that were critical of the government while a new report highlighted challenges for media independence and journalists. A UN expert raised concerns about the Association Act (3/2022) on freedom of association while a new labour law will strengthen unions. A court ruled that a protester who was wrongfully dismissed be reinstated with compensation.

Expression

Websites critical of the government blocked

In December 2023, human rights and press freedom groups in the Maldives condemned the government's move to block websites publishing anti-government content.

According to reports, three new websites publishing content critical of the government were blocked. Two news websites - kurusee.com and dhiyavaru.com - were inaccessible on any local networks on 21st December 2023. A third one, Furathama.com, a registered media outlet, was also blocked by local internet service providers.

In separate statements, the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), Editors' Guild of Maldives and Transparency Maldives described the move as a direct infringement upon fundamental rights such as the freedom of information, press freedom, and the right to express dissenting opinions.

MJA's statement called on the government to “immediately withdraw this measure." The group added: "These undemocratic actions pose a significant threat not only to media, but also to the populace at large. Such decisions are regressive steps that undermine the progress of Maldives’ democracy."

The Maldives Media Council (MMC) also condemned the government’s actions, noting that while blogs and unregistered digital platforms fall under its purview per the Media Council Act, blocking these sites without lodging complaints or conducting investigations through the MMC is a threat to media freedom in the country.

Although the government did not initially acknowledge they were involved, due to the backlash, Furathama.com was unblocked within 24 hours, while on 28th December 2023, the two other news websites - kurusee.com and dhiyavaru.com - were unblocked following orders from the police.

Websites are blocked by internet providers on the order of the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM). Currently, CAM operates under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Work.

Report highlights concerns with media ownership and challenges for journalists

A report was commissioned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). Among the many concerns highlighted in the report published in December 2023 was that the ownership structure of media outlets in Maldives affects their operations in various ways.

Media outlets owned by influential business owners and politicians often promote individual agendas, leading to highly polarised reporting that lacks objectivity and balance. These media outlets also prioritise financial interests over journalistic values which, in turn, compromises journalistic quality and credibility. Media outlets also face political pressure to promote government propaganda or withhold information critical of the government.

The report also noted that gang-related violence and fear threaten journalists in the Maldives, limiting their ability to report on specific issues. Journalists in the Maldives also face threats and physical harm, discouraging them from reporting on sensitive issues. In addition, female journalists face gender-specific harassment and threats, exacerbating the difficulties they experience when investigating and reporting the news.

Association

UN expert raised concerns about the Association Act

During the March 2024 visit of the UN Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, he highlighted how the Maldives has made commendable strides in nurturing its civic space, creating an environment where citizens can actively engage in democratic processes and civic affairs.

However, he raised concerns about Article 43(e)(3) of the Association Act (3/2022) which provides that each member of the executive committee of an association shall not be a member of the executive committee of another association. The UN expert noted this provision is restrictive and therefore requires reform.

Parliament passes labour laws that will strengthen unions

In December 2023, parliament passed the Industrial Relations Bill to establish a legal framework safeguarding the constitutional rights of workers in the Maldives. The bill guarantees fundamental labour rights, including the right to take industrial action, freedom to form trade unions, and protections for freedom of speech. It also outlines mechanisms for collective bargaining between workers and employers, along with regulations for resolving workplace disputes.

The move comes over a decade after the Maldives’ ratification of eight fundamental International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions in January 2013. The Maldivian trade union movement has been central in the fight for industrial relations legislation, launching campaigns in support of the bill.

Fathimath Zimna, the Maldives Trade Union Congress (MTUC) general secretary said: “It resembles what working people can achieve through collective voice. It is important for workers to organise into unions and raise their voices collectively to protect workers’ interests.”

Peaceful Assembly

Court rules protester who was wrongfully dismissed from the police be reinstated

On 22nd February 2024, the High Court ruled that Aishath Rasheed, sister of blogger Yameen Rasheed, was wrongfully dismissed from her job at the Maldives Police Services following her involvement in a protest. The Court ruled that Rasheed must be reinstated to her former position and given six months' salary in compensation for losses incurred due to wrongful termination.

Rasheed was dismissed from her post on 16th August 2017, following her participation in a demonstration held to mark three years since the forced disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan. Ahmed Rilwan, forcibly disappeared in August 2014, was a close friend of Rasheed's brother, Yameen Rasheed - who himself was later murdered in April 2017.

Aishath Rasheed is the Chairperson of the Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM), a civil and political rights organisation with a focus on enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.