MP Imran damages microphone during media bill grapple

Henveiru South MP Hussain Imran Latheef from the government People's National Congress (PNC) party damaged a microphone at a meeting of the Independent Institutions Committee as Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Mauroof Zakir attempted to speak regarding the controversial media bill.

The bill, introduced by independent MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr on the 18th of last month, aims to grant the government powers to censor and control media. Since its announcement, journalists have voiced concerns about the bill's potential to undermine freedom of expression, advocating for its withdrawal.

The bill was accepted by Parliament and subsequently referred to the Independent Institutions Committee for review. The committee proposed amendments to the bill during extraordinary meetings held on Monday.

The hearing was attended by a significant number of journalists, members of the public, and MPs not on the committee, including Imran, Mauroof Zakir (Kendhoo constituency, MDP), and Hussain Samir (Thoddoo, MDP).

On behalf of the government, Kelaa MP Abdullah Shareef proposed several amendments. Following a vote, the bill, with its amendments, was passed with the support of the PNC members present in the committee.

This outcome led to protests from journalists and MDP members attending the committee meeting. During the protests, Mauroof Zakir approached a committee microphone and attempted to address the gathering. Videos circulating on social media show MP Imran attempting to push the microphone away to prevent him from speaking. Samir is also seen holding onto the microphone, trying to facilitate Mauroof's attempt to speak.

Pnc ge Majilis Member Imran Latheef majileehuge thakehchah gellun dheefi#CtrlBillBeyrukurey pic.twitter.com/GrxEULk6Ez

— Muzayyin Nazim (@tedmaldives) September 15, 2025

The videos then depict Imran forcibly pulling the desk microphone towards himself, breaking it off, and dropping it.

Given that parliamentary property is state property, acts of vandalism can be referred to the Parliament's Ethics Committee.

The ruling PNC, which holds a supermajority in Parliament, is reportedly preparing to pass the bill on Tuesday.