Maldives' Chilling Assault on Press Freedom The jailing of two journalists in the Maldives for reporting on an alleged affair between President Mohamed Muizzu and a former aide has sparked widespread condemnation from international rights groups, opposition leaders, and local media organizations.
The government claims that these actions are not aimed at stifling press freedom, but the facts paint a different picture. The Maldives' track record on democracy and media freedom is already tenuous.
A media law passed last September gave the government sweeping powers to censor and punish outlets that dare to challenge its authority.