Majlis votes to dissolve Anti-Defamation Act

People’s Majlis has voted to dissolve the Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Expression Act passed in 2016.

The Bill to dissolve the law passed this Wednesday afternoon with the vote of 38 lawmakers. 13 lawmakers voted against dissolving the law.

The Bill to dissolve the highly contentious law was submitted to People’s Majlis by North Henveyru MP Abdulla Shahid on October 25.

Shahid argues the Anti-Defamation Act infringes on basic rights guaranteed by the Maldivian Constitution.

“The application of Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Expression Act has led to legal inconsistencies,” said Shahid, during a press conference before submitting the Bill.

Shahid said the law also contradicted with international treaties signed by the Maldives and legal practices and principles.

He said once the law is abolished, a regulation on compensation for defamatory actions will be established and applied once more.