‘War on free speech’: Outcry after Maldives passes controversial media bill
Critics say new media regulatory bill will suppress press freedom and free speech, a claim the government denies.

Critics say new media regulatory bill will suppress press freedom and free speech, a claim the government denies.

![The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned 'in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack' [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CLIP_STRATFORD-LIVE_WIDE-1757429304.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says attacks are meant to prevent the world from knowing what is happening in Gaza.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu condemned Israeli ‘acts of terrorism’ and attacks on journalists.
Mohamed Muizzu also tells the UNGA that Israel is targeting journalists to cover up its ‘crimes’ in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Indian Ocean archipelago’s ban comes in solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza.
Muizzu’s party wins huge mandate in parliamentary polls. Will Beijing now step in to alleviate Maldives’ economic woes?
Provisional results give President Mohamed Muizzu’s PNC party a supermajority in parliament, with opposition far behind.
Vote is being keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the island nation.
Decision comes days before the Indian Ocean archipelago nation holds parliamentary elections.
The two countries agreed to a withdrawal of 89 Indian soldiers and their support staff from the nation by May 10.

MPs went after each other, throwing punches, pulling hair and blowing toy trumpets during a rowdy session of parliament.