Media Commission Launches New Accreditation System to Protect Journalists Covering Protests

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MBBC) has introduced a new accreditation system for journalists covering public gatherings, aiming to safeguard press freedom and enhance reporter safety during volatile events. The regulatory framework was developed to balance the constitutional mandate of a free press with the legal requirements of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act. By formalizing the accreditation process, the Commission intends to ensure that media personnel have equal opportunities to report and receive necessary protection and cooperation from state security forces during civic assemblies. Under the new guidelines, credentialed journalists will be granted broader access to fulfill their professional duties. Key privileges include dedicated protection from security personnel, authorized entry into restricted or high-tension areas, and streamlined channels for requesting information from law enforcement agencies. To organize the press corps effectively, the framework implements a tiered, time-bound credentialing system based on the journalist's affiliation. Local media representatives are eligible for accreditation valid for one year, while independent freelance journalists can receive six-month terms. International media correspondents will be granted credentials for a period of three months. The Media Commission noted that these standards are designed to alleviate the operational burdens and risks faced by reporters covering the wide array of public demonstrations organized by various political parties and interest groups across the country. By establishing a clear identity for the press on the ground, the initiative seeks to reduce friction between journalists and security forces, ensuring that the public's right to information is maintained even in challenging environments.