Media Commission Clarifies Regulatory Limits on Criminal Investigations and Press Freedom

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has formally clarified its regulatory boundaries, stating it lacks the jurisdiction to intervene in active criminal investigations. This announcement follows recent controversy surrounding a documentary published by a local online news outlet, prompting the commission to delineate where administrative oversight ends and police authority begins. To ensure transparency and consistency, the commission has established a codified regulatory framework for handling grievances related to published materials. Under this structure, entities can lodge formal complaints directly with the MMBC, which then follows a set of protocols to determine if disciplinary measures against journalists or broadcasters are warranted. Saniyya Hussain, the commission’s senior legal officer, detailed these procedures during a broadcast on PSM News, emphasizing that no conclusions are reached without a comprehensive evaluation. The process begins with a detailed review of the disputed content, followed by consultations with relevant authorities to determine if professional ethical codes have been breached. According to Hussain, any disciplinary actions taken will be proportionate to the severity of the violation. She stressed that the commission remains committed to a thorough investigation process before imposing any sanctions, ensuring that administrative actions are not arbitrary. Under the new protocols, the commission is required to deliver a final ruling within a 30-day window. While the MMBC maintains its role in administrative oversight, it explicitly stated that it cannot oversee or influence investigations managed by the Maldives Police Service. Throughout the clarification, the commission underscored that press freedom is a constitutional liberty. The MMBC reaffirmed its legal mandate to safeguard this freedom while simultaneously upholding the ethical standards of the Maldivian media landscape.