Toby Mendel

Read this in-depth, thorough review of the new Media Control Act. A massive thank you to @TobyMendel and the @Law_Democracy for this vital, in-depth analysis. It confirms everything we at the @mjamaldives and the Maldivian press corps have been saying: this law is a fundamental threat to press freedom. Here is my take from the review: 🔴The report makes it clear the new Commission is not independent. Parliament has excessive control over appointments; it appoints the Commission's President, and the CSC, not the media body, controls the staff. This isn't an independent regulator; it's a state controlled one. 🔴The law's scope is dangerously overbroad. The definition of "media" is so wide it could include almost any website. The definition of "journalist" could be applied to any citizen sharing "information" on social media. This isn't just an attack on journalists; it's an attack on free expression for all. 🔴This law replaces media self-regulation with state control. It gives the non-independent Commission the power to set requirements for who can be an EDITOR and imposes harsh sanctions like huge fines and suspending registrations for code breaches. This is control, not regulation. The CLD’s conclusion is clear, unambiguous, and echoes our position. The Media Act must be repealed in its entirety. We must go back to the table and hold real consultations with all stakeholders.