Maldives Journalist Association MJA says the fact that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ratified the Evidence Act passed by the Parliament that would force reporters to reveal their sources shows that state entities have no intention of ensuring press freedom.
Yesterday, the President ratified the Evidence Act (Act No. 11/2022) which was passed by the Parliament passed on the 30th of June.
He had ratified the bill despite a petition submitted to his office last month requesting him to delay the ratification to amend the bill as it would not ensure source protection. A total of 158 journalists had signed the petition.
In a statement, MJA said that it condemned the ratification as it blatantly disregarded the petition to review Article 136 of the Act.
MJA said that it was deeply disappointed and saddened by the lack of initiative by the administration to discuss concerns over the legislation which raises questions about freedom of the press in the Maldives.
It reiterated that the ratification narrows the constitutional provisions of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and right to information granted under the constitution.
MJA further said that the ratification of the Evidence Act shows the administration's unwillingness to safeguard freedom of the press in the Maldives.
The Association assured that it would continue to raise concerns over the Evidence Act, and the legalization that compels journalists to disclose the identity of their sources under court mandates.
