Defamation Bill Submitted to Maldivian Parliament, Establishes Criminal Offense with Fines Up to MVR 500,000

A new bill criminalizing defamation has been submitted to the People's Majlis, proposing that charges can be brought for drawings, photographs, or statements. The bill, presented by Mohamed Ismail, the Member of Parliament for Vilimalé constituency, lists numerous acts considered as defamation, including statements, photographs, drawings, items depicting a person in a particular manner, films, or representations. It also covers situations where a gesture or action appears to tarnish a party's reputation. Under the bill, a defamation charge can be brought if any of these acts contains falsehood without truth. If proven, the bill stipulates compensation ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 500,000. The bill designates defamation as a criminal offense. However, it also specifies circumstances where defamation charges cannot be brought, such as statements made by Members of the People's Majlis during a session or in a committee, and against individuals reporting on such matters.