Parliament on Tuesday passed the Bill on Defamation and Freedom of Expression. The bill, which was tabled for debate by Ungoofaaru MP Jaufar Dawood, was approved with 47 votes in favour and 31 against.
The bill was passed as reviewed and amended by an 11-member select committee.
The bill received backing from lawmakers representing the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives and its coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance.
Lawmakers of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party strongly opposed the bill, which was also backed some parliamentarians from Jumhooree Party.
According to the bill, any act of defamation, if proved in a court of law, can carry a fine between 25-Thousand Rufiyaa and 2 million Rufiyaa. During review of the bill, the committee sought the opinion of Maldives Media Council, Maldives Broadcasting Commission, the Fiqh Academy and media outlets including Public Service Media.
During debate, PPM and MDA lawmakers spoke about the importance of the bill while opposition lawmakers argued that it imposes severe restrictions on the fundamental right to freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution.