Government to Amend Evidence Bill, Protecting Press Freedom

This decision follows concerns voiced by journalists and organizations regarding the evidence bill passed during the former presidency of Mohamed Solih. Originally enacted in July 2022 with a supermajority from the MDP in Parliament, the bill empowered courts to compel journalists to reveal their sources, sparking unease among media professionals.

Efforts to propose amendments to address these concerns were rebuffed by the majority party (MDP) in Parliament, leading to further discontent within the journalism community. The repercussions of the evidence bill's passage were evident in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) by Reporters Without Borders, where the Maldives experienced a six-rank decline, underscoring the importance of preserving press freedom.

Chief spokesperson of the president's office, Heena Waleed, affirmed the government's commitment to amending the evidence bill during a press conference on Monday. She emphasized the administration's dedication to creating an environment supportive of journalistic integrity. Once the 20th parliament commences its session, the government aims to initiate amendments to the evidence bill, as stated by Heena Waleed. The government assures that these amendments will advocate for press freedom and provide support to journalists in their work.

Additionally, Heena hinted at potential revisions to other restrictive laws, such as those concerning rallies and gatherings, which were implemented during the previous presidency of Abdulla Yameen. With the ruling party securing a supermajority in the 20th parliament elections, the process of amending laws is expected to be streamlined, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for the 28th of this month.

The proposed amendments represent a significant step towards strengthening press freedom in the Maldives, underscoring the government's commitment to upholding democratic values and fostering a free and transparent media landscape.