Published on, Sept. 25 -- September 25, 2025 10:38 PM

The United Nations has urged the Maldives to repeal its newly approved media regulation law, warning that the legislation will severely undermine press freedom and restrict citizens' right to free expression.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Media and Broadcasting Regulations Law last week, just a day after its approval by parliament. Rights groups have criticized the move, describing it as a direct attack on the independence of journalists and media outlets.

The law establishes a powerful regulatory commission with sweeping authority, including the ability to suspend outlets, block newspaper websites, and even retroactively sanction content published up to a year earlier.

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